Bento Box Basics: What to Pack for Happy School Lunches

Think of a bento box like a balanced puzzle—each section fits together to create a nutritious and exciting lunch. Here’s how to build it:

1. A Creative Main (a.k.a. the Star of the Box)

Start with a sandwich—but don’t keep it boring! Use playful shapes and simple ingredients to make lunch more fun:

• Bear Face Sandwiches
  Use a round cutter to shape bread, then decorate with banana “ears,” blueberry “eyes,” and an apple slice smile. Fill with PB&J, turkey and cheese, or a nut-free spread.

• Silly Face Sandwiches
  Cut a square sandwich and use olives, sliced ham, cheese, and veggies to create fun faces—like the happy sandwiches in the image above.

• Mini Sandwich Cut-Outs
  Use cookie cutters to create bite-sized sandwiches in shapes like stars, hearts, or animals. Layer with deli meat, cheese, or even cream cheese and cucumbers for a fun twist.

• Sandwich Kabobs
  Cut sandwiches into cubes and stack them on skewers with cheese and grape tomatoes for a deconstructed delight.

These creative sandwich ideas add joy to lunchtime and fit perfectly in the main compartment of your bento box.

2. Fruits & Veggies

Add a rainbow of produce in the next section to keep things fresh and nutritious:

• Apple slices, grapes, and orange wedges

• Cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cucumber rounds

• Dried fruit or fruit cups 

Bento boxes make it easy to keep fruit and veggies separate and mess-free, so nothing gets soggy before lunchtime.

3. Fun Snacks & Sides

Round out the meal with a crunchy or sweet treat:

• Yogurt tubes, cheese cubes, or trail mix

• Food Club Toaster Pastries (cut into smaller pieces)

• Crackers, popcorn, or mini muffins

Don’t forget a small cookie or something special to bring a smile to their face.

🎒 Bento Tips for Busy Mornings

• Prep ahead: Wash and chop ingredients in advance

• Use silicone cups or dividers to keep things organized

• Keep portions small and finger-friendly

• Mix it up: Rotate proteins, fruits, and treats throughout the week

• Let your kids help: They’re more likely to eat what they choose

🛒 Stock Up with Brookshire Brothers

From fresh produce and sandwich fixings to Food Club snacks, Brookshire Brothers has everything you need to pack a bento lunch that’s fast, fresh, and fun. Swing by your local store and make back-to-school lunches something the whole family can look forward to.