Back-to-School Fuel: Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks

Summer may be winding down, but a new school year is just beginning! As backpacks are packed, alarm clocks are set and busy schedules kick back into gear, it’s time to get everyone fueled and ready for the day. From quick breakfasts and satisfying lunches to easy snacks, these delicious ideas make feeding the family a little easier from the first bell to the last activity.

Stay Cool from the
Inside Out

Hydration is your summer superpower. Keep a reusable water bottle within reach and give plain water a refreshing twist with slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, berries or fresh mint. Craving a little fizz? Sparkling water or electrolyte drinks are flavorful ways to stay hydrated and
replenish after time in the sun.


Loaded with water and naturally delicious flavor, these fruits and veggies help you stay cool and feeling your best.


● Watermelon ● Strawberries ● Cucumbers
● Pineapple ● Tomatoes ● Crispy leafy greens

Breakfast Before the Bell

Start the day with quick breakfasts that are easy enough for hectic school mornings but hearty enough to keep everyone going until lunchtime. Focus on make-ahead breakfasts that can be eaten at home or taken on the go. Here are some ideas for your next school morning!


  • Egg bites or mini-frittatas
  • Overnight oats with fruit and/or nuts
  • Whole-grain waffles or pancakes topped with fruit 
  • Smoothies packed with fruit, yogurt and/or nut butter
  • Breakfast quesadillas or burritos
  • Make-ahead breakfast sandwiches
  • Peanut butter and banana toast
  • Greek yogurt parfaits
  • Muffins made with fruit, oats or zucchini


Shortcut idea: Keep a stash of frozen breakfast items for especially hectic mornings.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

Light and fluffy with tons of flavor, creamy cottage cheese makes these egg bites courtesy of American Dairy Association Mideast rich, satisfying, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings. Add your 

favorite fillings like veggies, bacon, cheese,

and more! 

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PB&J Overnight Oats

Stirring together oats, milk and a few ingredients in a jar and refrigerating overnight is all the prep that’s needed for a yummy, creamy oatmeal like this delicious overnight oats recipe courtesy of Quaker Oats. 

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Double Chocolate Whole Grain Pancakes

These kid-friendly pancakes from Farm Flavor are double-stuffed with both semi-sweet and white chocolate for a sweet start to the day. 

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Breakfast Smoothie

Low-fat Greek yogurt and fresh fruit make for a quick on-the-go meal courtesy of Farm Flavor. 

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Breakfast Burritos

A satisfying breakfast burrito made even better with the creamy goodness of Daisy Sour Cream, conveniently wrapped and packed with flavor in every bite. 

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Lunchbox Lineup

Packing lunch doesn’t have to be a daily struggle with a lineup of easy, delicious favorites kids will look forward to. From sandwiches and wraps to pasta salads and more, these lunchbox crowd-pleasers will keep kids happy, fueled and ready to take on the school day.


● Turkey and cheese roll-ups ● Chicken salad or tuna salad sandwiches ● PB&J with sliced bananas ● Ham and cheese sliders ● Hummus and veggie wraps ● Chicken Caesar wraps ● Mini pizzas or pizza roll-ups ● Grain bowls with chicken, veggies and dressing ● DIY lunchables with crackers, cheese, favorite deli meat and fruit ● Pasta salad with meat, veggies and cheese

Practical Tip: Turn leftovers into tomorrow’s lunch. Last night’s grilled chicken can become today’s wrap; roasted veggies can become a quesadilla; leftover pasta can become a quick pasta salad. 

Italian Pasta Salad

Make lunchtime delicious with this colorful pasta salad packed with savory meat, crunchy veggies and cheesy goodness.

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Snack Stash

Keep the snacks stocked to tuck into lunchboxes and grab when the after-school hunger hits, because the "I'm STARVING" is practically inevitable. These easy bites are perfect for refueling at snacktime, before homework, practice, or whatever comes next.


Protein-Packed 

● Greek yogurt with berries ● Yogurt drinks ● Cheese sticks ● Cottage-cheese with fruit ● Peanut or almond butter with apples ● Hard-boiled eggs ● Turkey and cheese roll-ups ● Energy bites 

  • Toasted Coconut and Peanut Butter Energy Bites

    These easily portable energy bites are packed with good carbs, fiber, and protein making them a perfect before or after sports practice snack. 


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Fresh and Crunchy

● Veggies with hummus or ranch ● Fruit like apples slices and grapes
● Homemade trail mix ● Whole-grain crackers

Something a Little Fun

● Ants on a log ● Fruit and cheese skewers ● Fruit cups ● Granola bars ● Mini muffins
● Popcorn ● Smoothie bowls

Hydrate and Refresh

From the morning rush to recess, sports and after-school activities, staying hydrated helps kids feel their best and ready to take on the day. Keep water bottles filled and on hand, and add some variety with refreshing, lower-sugar options that make hydration something kids actually look forward to.

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