School’s out for summer!  If you’re a working parent like me, your kids may be spending a good number of the hot days of summer at camp or the pool.  And unlike school where your kids can get lunch onsite, packing lunch is now on your “to do” list every night.  Invest in a decent lunch box and coolly pack and your kid is good to go.

Below are a few safe, healthy foods to pack for all day energy.

1. Water.  Before we dive into what food to pack, the most important item to pack for the dog days of summer is water.  To save cash (and the environment), go for a stainless steel, BPA free bottle and fill ‘er up.  Don’t forget to clean it out every night.
2. Fruit.  The beauty of summer is the bountiful variety of fruit available.  Find some reusable containers and pack some grapes, berries, apple slices, peaches or melon.  Don’t forget a coolly pack to keep things chilled.
3. String cheese.  I am a big fan of string cheese because of its nutrient density (calcium, protein, vitamins D and A) AND convenience.  Go for light string cheese if you’re concerned about fat content.  Most contain only 2.5 grams of fat and 60 calories per stick.
4. Beef jerky.  While I realize the sodium content is through the roof, it’s one of the few protein sources that requires no refrigeration.  And it’s low fat to boot.
5. Peanut butter.  If your kids don’t have peanut allergies, most will enjoy a little PB and J for lunch.  Use whole wheat bread or bagels to boost fiber content.
6. Vegetables and hummus.  Most kids like raw veggies and ranch, so why not try hummus?  Hummus is full of fiber, potassium and heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat.  Give your kids a taste of theMediterranean for lunch!
7. Turkey and cheese roll up.  Lean ham or turkey works nicely in a whole wheat tortilla.  Add shredded cheese, some mayo or mustard and pack in a reusable container with a coolly pack inside.
8. GORP.  If you’re not familiar with the acronym, it stands for Good Old Raisins & Peanuts.  The beauty of trail mix is it needs no refrigeration.  Add some wheat Chex, Cheerios or other low sugar dry cereal to boost the fiber content.  Pack some yogurt or carton of organic milk to go with it (don't forget the coolly pack)!
9. Yogurt.  The healthy bacteria in yogurt may help in preventing gastrointestinal and other illness in your kids.  Go for low fat types without a lot of added dyes if possible (such as Stony Brook Farms organic).  Don’t forget your coolly pack!
10. Pasta salad.  While you may only think of this for picnics, think again.  Start your salad with whole wheat elbow noodles, the add some tuna or chopped cooked chicken, light mayonnaise or salad dressing and chopped cucumbers and tomatoes.  Add some green onion or bell peppers for color and voila- lunch is done!  As always, remember the coolly pack to keep it fresh!