August 11, 2025, Press Release from the American Heart Association:
DALLAS, Texas – As students head back to school for the upcoming school year, the American Heart Association has some tips for healthy back to school lunches.
The American Heart Association recommends the following tips and substitutions to help your child pack a more heart-healthy lunch.
Start by making a ‘smarter sandwich’. For example, use different bread like 100% whole wheat tortilla wraps or 100% whole wheat pita pocket. Use hummus or avocado instead of mayo.
Another tip to promote healthy school lunches is utilizing a dip to add extra nutrition. The American Heart Association suggests allowing kids dip apples or pears into peanut butter or low-fat plain yogurt or dipping carrots and peppers into hummus.
The American Heart Association also believes getting kids involved in packing, their lunches is a great way to spend time together. Also, kids are more likely to eat a meal that they’re involved in putting together, whether that’s having them help pack their lunch or giving them options in choosing fruits and vegetables and of course try to avoid a lot of sugar and salt in snacks.
Eating well-balanced meals throughout the day including school lunches help keep you heart and brain working at their best.
Resources:
Meal Planning: How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch | American Heart Association
When Kids Help Cook, Healthy Family Meals Are Easier | American Heart Association
Staple Ingredients for Quick Healthy Meals | American Heart Association
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
