Nutritious, well-rounded meals are essential for growth and proper brain development. A complete midday meal also helps boost mental and physical power so kids can keep on learning until the afternoon bell rings.

It’s not always easy to find new and appealing ideas to fuel kids’ bodies and minds as they head back to school, but programs for families and educators such as the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge can help.

“Families are looking for ways to start the year on the right foot and the Power Your Lunchbox Pledge offers everything they need in one spot,” said Trish James, vice president of Produce for Kids. “Families want to know their kids are receiving the right brain food to get them through the day. Our registered dietitian-approved meal inspiration, tips and ideas provide the foundation families need for success.” 

Look for recipes, tips and ideas on Instagram and Twitter using #PowerYourLunchbox, and learn more about the program at poweryourlunchbox.com.

Banana Sushi Rolls

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

1 large (8-inch) whole-wheat tortilla

3 tablespoons peanut butter, divided

1 banana, peeled

1 strawberry, sliced

1/2 kiwi, sliced

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

Directions:

Lay tortilla on flat surface. Spread with half of peanut butter. Place banana on one end of tortilla and roll up. Cut into even slices and place strawberries and kiwi slices on top.

Microwave remaining peanut butter on high 30 seconds, or until melted, and drizzle over banana sushi. Top with shredded coconut.

Brown Bear Bento Box

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Kids

1 tablespoon soy butter

3 graham cracker squares

3 banana slices

9 blueberries

Variety of chopped fruit

Directions:

Spread soy butter on graham crackers. Arrange banana slices and blueberries to create eyes and noses to resemble bear faces. In another container, add colorful fruit, such as raspberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, honeydew, blueberries and blackberries, to create a rainbow fruit salad.

Suggested side: one tablespoon of ranch dressing and three mini sweet peppers, sliced into strips.