Gluten-Free School Lunches

Check out these on the go gluten-free school lunches for your family this year! It's Back to School season!

This post is sponsored by Schar. Please see my disclosure page for more information on sponsored posts. Thank you!

About This School Lunches Blog Post

With the school year starting once again (and my background as a high school teacher), now is the perfect time to share some gluten-free lunch ideas!

I've been packing my own lunch to bring to school for many years. And if your child or family member is heading back to the classroom this fall, these gluten-free school lunch ideas will come in handy!

In this post, I'm sharing some easy sandwiches, snacks, and lunchbox ideas for your Back to School plans that are easy to prep when you're on the go. Because I'm sure this year (just like last year!) will be as busy and complicated as ever. All the more reason to have a solid meal prep strategy and easy meals ready for your child's backpack.

So grab your backpack and your pencils - let's go back to school!

Gluten-Free Back To School Lunch Ideas

Gluten-Free Back To School Lunches: Sandwiches

One of the easiest gluten-free lunches to pack is a sandwich. Schar's gluten-free artisan bake white bread doesn't have to be refrigerated, has a soft texture, and works well in all kinds of sandwiches! Plus, it toasts up great, making these sandwiches even better with every bite.

Chicken Salad

My gluten-free chicken salad recipe goes perfectly on toast with some chopped celery, cranberries, and fresh lettuce. Serve some homemade pickles on the side too!

Hummus & Veggies

Opt for a veggie-loaded sandwich with hummus, carrots, lettuce, and avocado. This is red bell pepper hummus and it's one of my favorites!

Nut Butter & Jelly

Have your favorite nut butter with some fresh jelly or jam! This is a classic PB&J, which sustained me for all lunches K-12.

Gluten-Free School Snacks

Along with sandwiches, it's always good to have some snack ideas when you're on the go or need to stay energized for a long day at school. Here are some other ideas!

Egg Cups

These mini omelets are perfect to sneak in lots of veggies first thing in the morning. Plus they are packed with protein! Get the recipe here.

Fresh Fruits & Veggies

We've got lots of fresh fruits and veggies in our CSA this summer. Veggie sticks and sliced fruit are great snacks and they are healthy too! Learn about the pros and cons of joining a CSA here.

Nut Butter Cups

For easy gluten-free, dairy-free, no-bake treats: try these nut butter cups! Less than 5 ingredients, no baking required, and perfect for snacking. Get the recipe here!

Lunch Boxes & Containers

As you get ready for Back to School season and pack up your child's backpack, consider these nifty lunch boxes and containers to keep food organized, fun, and fresh! You can find these items on my Amazon storefront.

Pack It Cool LunchBox

Kids can be picky eaters. A lunchbox like this one keeps things separated and lets their food be divided into compartments or sections. Genius!

Thermos Containers

A hot meal is always welcome! These thermoses will keep soups, stews, or any other hot meal warmed up throughout the day, saving your child from having to find a microwave to reheat.

Hydroflask

A reusable water bottle is not only sustainable but helpful. Water fountains are everywhere - this will keep your child hydrated all day long.

Back To School: Tips For Parents Of Celiac Kids

Heading back to school is stressful enough - but if your child has celiac disease, it can be more complicated.

As a former teacher and special education paraprofessional, I specifically worked with students and their families to help them with their learning.

Since celiac disease is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, your child is entitled to certain rights and accommodations.

• Have a 504 Plan. This is a legal document that will provide your child with accommodations they need to attend school safely, such as being able to go to the bathroom without needing permission and having access to safe meals in the cafeteria. Talk to your child's teacher or guidance counselor about this to help set this up. Here's an idea of what they can look like.
• Talk to their teachers. Keep an open line of communication! Teachers want to know how best to help out their students in the classroom and support them best in their learning.
• Pack emergency snacks just in case. Make sure your child has something with them in their bag for emergency snacks - for the days when the unexpected happens, or there is a celebration or party involving food.
• Stay up to date on class parties, events, or celebrations involving food. Inclusion has gotten much better since the days when I was a kid and we all brought cupcakes or donuts. Nowadays, students are much more likely to bring in something they can share and everyone will enjoy.
• Encourage self-advocacy. Teach your child by example to put their needs first and to take care of themselves. Starting the self-advocacy process young makes for a stronger and more confident gluten-free teenager, and adult!

Be sure to check out Schar for all of your school lunch needs!

Looking for more gluten-free recipes?

This is the pad thai I learned to make right in Thailand, with a homemade sauce too!

This gluten-free potato leek soup is super creamy without the dairy.

Veggie chili requires minimum prep work and is packed with vegetables.

Want something easy with tons of flavor? Try chicken piccata over pasta or rice.

Check out over 100+ gluten-free recipes on the blog right here.

How are you preparing for Back to School season?

What gluten-free school lunches will you have packed this fall?

Let me know in the comments below!