Packing the perfect lunch for your student’s personality

(NC) Back to school means preparing daily lunches that not only satisfy hunger, but also fit the unique personalities and tastes of your hungry student. From the picky eater to the budding foodie influencer, here’s how to pack the right lunch for your child’s style and dietary needs.

1. The picky eater: Simplified satisfaction. Packing lunch for the picky eater requires sticking to familiar basics. Keep it simple with a turkey and cheese sandwich, some cut-up veggies and a piece of fresh fruit, like an apple. It’s all about comfort, familiarity and ease, packed neatly in a simple reusable lunch bag or box. This straightforward approach minimizes stress for both parents and kids.
2. The adventurous eater: A culinary journey. The adventurous eater thrives on variety. A bento box filled with small portions of various tastes and textures keeps lunchtime exciting. Include cubes of lactose-free Grana Padano PDO (protected designation of origin) cheese alongside sushi rolls, some hummus with carrot sticks and a little chia pudding. It’s a mini buffet that caters to a curious palate.
3. The athlete: Eating for energy. For the athlete, lunch is all about fuel. Pack a high-protein punch with a chicken salad, mixed nuts and a few slices of Prosciutto di Parma PDO wrapped around melon and a few chunks of Grana Padano cheese. Include a hearty smoothie packed with fruits, oats and a spoonful of peanut butter in a sports-themed lunch bag. This lunch ensures they have the sustained energy they need for both schoolwork and sports.
4. The influencer: Trendy tastes. The influencer wants their lunch to be Instagram-worthy. Think rainbow bagels, unicorn smoothies or vibrant salads topped with trendy ingredients. Add a sophisticated touch with thin slices of Prosciutto di Parma atop an avocado toast, neatly packed in a stylish, modern lunchbox. It’s about making a statement that what’s popular can also be healthy and delicious.

Each of these lunches not only caters to different personalities, but also incorporates nutritious elements that support a healthy diet. Making school lunches can be both fun and functional.

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Shopping Tip: If you’re looking for authentic European products, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Grana Padano cheese, look for stamps with a PDO label. PDO stands for “protected designation of origin,” meaning that it is authentic and produced in the region of origin. Learn more about the PDO system and the products it covers at distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu.