It’s back to school time! I get a little nervous and excited for my kids every year as they begin their latest adventure into school or new grades, it’s a pretty big deal each time. And while I am looking forward to settling back into a routine and getting organized, I am not looking forward to the return of packing lunches! 

How do you jazz up your kids’ lunchbox? From August 14 to September 27, enter the Lunchbox Makeover contest.  Submit a photo or description of your most creative recipes and lunchbox ideas for a chance to win! Hint: Follow the Five Cs below for a winning entry.

1. Convenient – A package of string cheese is just as easy to toss in the lunchbox as a bag of salty, fatty potato chips. So is a box of raisins. And shelf safe milk. Keep some single-serve cartons in the freezer – then nestle one in the lunchbox, and they’ll keep the other items chilled until noon. Since healthy can be so easy, vow to pass on the junk!

2. Colourful – Research shows that kids eat with their eyes, and many colourful foods are healthy options. Like baby carrots, red grapes and bright green edamame. Buy the red or green tortillas for wraps. Or make some pasta salad with colourful corkscrew noodles.

3. Cut Up – Youngsters are much more likely to eat an apple (and other produce) if you cut it up for them. Especially if there is something to dip the wedges in…like peanut butter or yogourt and honey. Try cutting a sandwich in four strips or little triangles. Or make a mini kabob with rolled up lunchmeat, grape tomatoes and chunks of cheese on a toothpick.

4. Cute – Use a cookie cutter to shape a sandwich or vegetable slices. Get some fun printed napkins at the dollar store. Draw a smiley face on a banana. Need more ideas?  

5. Cow – Embrace the cow! Dairy foods are packed with nutrients. Just one carton of shelf safe milk has 9 grams of protein and plenty of calcium and vitamin D. It’s just the right beverage to help kids learn and play all afternoon.

Join in the #MilkUnleashed Twitter Party on Tuesday September 3 @ 9pm EST

Date: Tuesday September 3, 2013

Time: 8pm CST/9pm EST

Twitter Party Hashtag: #MilkUnleashed

Host: @MommyMomentBlog

Co-Hosts: @momvstheboys & @mommykatandkids

Sponsor: @milkunleashed

There will be 5 Milk Unleashed Prize Packs valued at $50 as well as a GRAND PRIZE valued at $225 (arv)!  The GRAND PRIZE will include:

• a backpack
• $150 gift card
• and Milk Unleashed products

**Prize may not be exactly as shown,
Check out the official rules & regulations.**