These days, many of us have access to various nutritious plant-based foods at the grocery store—and hopefully, in your young student’s cafeteria, as well. In May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture updated its child nutrition standards and improved access to plant-based protein and other vegan foods in schools following a cross-movement coalition effort.

Many young people choose to eat vegan foods because they have an innate compassion for animals or a growing concern for the future of our planet. Plant-based meals nurture that kindness and empathy.

1. Pack the protein: A healthy vegan diet makes getting enough protein easier than you think, which is vital for growth and development. Include plant sources such as beans, seeds, nuts (if they can be brought to school — some prohibit nuts in case of allergies), tofu or tempeh, oats, peas, and more. Hummus is a great option and can be used in sandwiches or as a veggie dip!
2. Include healthy fats: Healthy, unsaturated fats are essential in any diet. Choose from avocados, vegetable oils, nuts (if you can pack them for school), and seeds such as flax, chia, or hemp.
3. Swap in sunflower butter: Made from sunflower seeds, this is an excellent alternative to almond or peanut butter at nut-free schools. Make a sun butter & jelly sandwich, or just pack the butter as a dip for apples or pretzels!
4. Use fun shapes: If you have time, cutting fruits and vegetables into adorable shapes and sizes is one way to encourage children to eat these healthy and nutrient-dense foods. Look for vegetable cutters in assorted shapes and sizes.
5. Make lunch colorful: Different-colored fruits and veggies offer different nutrients, so we (adults, too) must consume produce of various colors. To make it fun, tell your child they’re “eating the rainbow,” which can help them grow strong and healthy.
6. Choose quick snacks: Plenty of simple and ready-to-go vegan snacks that kids will love are available, from dairy-free string cheese and yogurt to veggie-based chips and more. Of course, you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables!
7. Ask for more options in your school: The tips above will help you plan vegan lunches sent from home, but it’s also important that schools offer students equitable access to healthy plant-based foods. Use this guide to encourage a school to provide vegan meals.

We hope these tips are helpful! Try the recipe below for a quick and easy school lunch—and if you would like to learn more about a plant-based diet, check out our handy guide here.

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 0 minutes!

Ingredients:
Two large burrito flour tortillas
1 package store-bought hummus (choose your favorite flavor)
6 carrots, cut into thin strips
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips (*more info below)
2 cucumbers, peeled
To taste: Sea salt & ground black pepper
Optional: Tomato slices, raw spinach

Instructions:
Lay your flour tortilla flat. Generously spread hummus through the middle of your tortilla, ending about 1 inch away from each side.

*Prepare the red bell pepper by cutting it in half. Then, remove the seeds and inside pulp and slice them into thin strips. 

Add all ingredients on top of hummus.

Season with a touch of sea salt and ground black pepper (to taste).

To roll, take the sides of the tortilla and fold it into the center, then roll tightly from the bottom into a burrito shape. Place bamboo skewers or toothpicks about 2 inches apart and slice between the skewers/toothpicks to create the pinwheel portions.