Lunch box combos: two weeks' worth of ideas

Some combinations of lunch items make more sense than others. To get you started, here are two weeks' worth of ideas. Increase portions for older children.

WEEK ONE

Monday: mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, breadsticks, square of chocolate

Tuesday: whole-wheat pasta with pesto, grape tomatoes, olives

Wednesday: sliced turkey or chicken chunks, Romaine lettuce, Caesar salad dressing, croutons, dried apricots

Thursday: hard-boiled eggs, carrots and celery, whole-grain crackers, oatmeal cookie

Friday: whole-wheat tortilla, sliced banana, peanut butter, dried cranberries

WEEK TWO

Monday: hummus, whole-wheat pita, cucumber spears, yogurt-covered raisins

Tuesday: cheddar cheese and crackers, grapes, pumpkin seeds

Wednesday: ham and cheese on whole-wheat bread, strawberries, pretzels

Thursday: tortilla chips and salsa, jack cheese, black beans, pineapple chunks

Friday: roast beef on a mini bagel, salad dressing, salad greens, baked potato chips