School is in full swing here. I’m hoping you enjoyed last weeks lunch fare suggestions. This week’s school lunch box menu plan is jam packed with more goodness including sandwiches, salads and a sweet treat that could double as a snack!

Amy’s Cooking Adventures shows us that bagels are not just for breakfast. The Everything Sandwich on the Everything Bagel is a hearty addition to any lunch box. While you could certainly use your child’s favorite ingredients, this really looks perfect just the way it is. There’s good protein and vegetables paired with a yummy garden cream cheese spread in lieu of mayonnaise. But you can easily mix up the deli meat, add your favorite sliced cheese or make it a theme sandwich like Italian using different ingredients. The possibilities are endless.

I don’t know about your kids but mine always love something to go along with their sandwich. They get that from me, I’m sure. Usually it’s chips but sometimes it’s pretzels or Goldfish crackers. Healthy Nacho Cheese Baked Tortilla Chips from Food Done Light would be a great addition with the sandwich above. Certainly a healthier choice than the store bought variety. Made with just a few ingredients they are also much more economical than store bought. They store well for a couple of day so you can have them for more than one lunch.

When kids head back to school it’s usually still blazing hot in many places. It’s nice to have a no-bake treat in your repertoire. Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip No-Bake Bars from Must Have Mom may or may not last the week, they look that yummy! There are only six ingredients and won’t keep you in the kitchen long making them. Use them as a treat or a mid-morning or after school snack as well. They are easy to store in the freezer. Pop one in your child’s lunch box in the morning and it’s softened and ready to eat by lunchtime.

If you’ve had a crazy week and are feeling the pressure of getting a treat made, try my Cake Mix Snickerdoodles. Yes, they start with a yellow cake mix and are super easy to make. Kids can even help, with some supervision.  This is my oldest son’s favorite cookie whether it’s made from scratch or this cake mix version. It was always a special treat when he found them in his lunch box.

I also live in a family that loves applesauce. It was a frequent staple in my kids lunch and it’s served with just about every meal I make, except pasta. I was so happy to find this homemade Strawberry Applesauce from Tip Garden. I can’t wait to make it for my family but will definitely be making it again when Florida strawberry season rolls around. It’s a great accompaniment to just about any lunch. Be sure to put this on your “to try” list for fall when so many wonderful apple varieties are in season.