Make a suitable hot entree. Keep your main course inexpensive, simple to prepare and large enough to feed large groups of people. Prepare batches of pasta or hot dogs, for example. Make at least one helping of food per student. Ask students and parents to provide suggestions on what people may like or dislike so you can suit the overall wishes of the group.
Add vegetables. Make large bowls of salad to serve with the pasta. Create a plate or two of raw vegetables to compliment the hot dogs. Healthy vegetable side dishes help round out the nutritional content of a meal.
Boost the fiber. Serve whole apples, a side dish of raspberries or whole grain bread, -- in addition to the main course and vegetables. Ninety six out of every 100 students suffer from a lack of fiber in their daily school lunch, according to a report by MSNBC.
Build the meal around the sandwich. Use fresh deli meat or peanut butter and jelly, packaged between whole wheat, seven grain or rye bread. Chop celery and add to a child's tuna sandwich for a boost of vegetables. The sandwich is an easy and affordable brown bag entree that can remain unrefrigerated for several hours and add valuable calories to boost a student's energy.
Choose a nutritious drink. Add a bottle of water or a thermos of unsweetened iced tea. Avoid high sugar, highly caffeinated drinks, such as soda. Look at the sugar content on drink labels, if you are packing a canned drink, to ensure you are choosing wisely.
Add healthy sides and treats. Pack bags of nuts and raisins, baked crackers or chips. Include a low-fat desert snack, yogurt or homemade, low-sugar cookies. Avoid cakes, other high-fat items and artificial sweeteners.