Question and Answer: Giving Lunch a New Look

Bento boxes are becoming popular among many Americans. Learn how to create a bento box for your child and how to pack it to provide a fun, nutritious meal for your child.

Q. What is a bento box?

A. Bento boxes, Japanese packed meals or lunchboxes, consist of a small box that typically uses dividers or compartments to separate food. Dating back to the late 1100s and designed to serve as one-serving, packed meals, bento boxes pack a healthy punch while controlling portion size.

Q. How do I create a bento box for my child?

A. Authentic bento boxes come in different shapes, sizes and colors with kid-friendly characters and designs. It’s easy and inexpensive to start without buying special bento equipment, although you can easily purchase it online. Try using a plastic sandwich container made with dividers and decorate it with stickers, or get creative and use aluminum cupcake cups or natural dividers, like pieces of lettuce or cucumbers sliced lengthwise.

Q. How can I pack a nutritious meal?

A. A bento box should contain three parts carbohydrates (bread, rice or pasta), two parts fruits and vegetables and one part protein. Arranging these items in a fun way reinforces the cute, creative aspect that appeals to kids. Use cookie cutters to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich fit neatly into the bento box, or include small, individually wrapped cheeses for added nutrition.

For a helpful guide to ensure your child gets proper nutrition, visit our Easy Guide to Good Nutrition.