Plan back-to-school lunches your child will eat

Despite the bad reputation school lunch services have received over the years, most provide nutritious meals. If your child doesn't like certain foods, consider checking the hot lunch menu each week to determine if there are days he or she will not be happy with the options.

If you choose to pack a lunch, be sure to keep the USDA Food Guide Pyramid in mind. Include one or more choices from the main layers of the pyramid: breads and grains, fruits and vegetables, meat, beans and dairy products.

Most children don't have much time to eat at school, so lunches packed with nutritious foods that also can be eaten quickly earn an A+. Include easy-to-eat fruit and vegetables such as grapes, orange sections, baby carrots and cherry tomatoes.

Every school must offer milk as a beverage, so remember to include milk money. If your child does not drink milk, include other high-calcium choices such as string cheese or yogurt.

Finally, consider sweets and other treats on occasion to help make lunches flavorful and fun.