STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Packing school lunches for little ones can feel like a daily puzzle — one that parents solve with varying degrees of success (and sometimes, surrender). But with a little planning and a dash of creativity, you can turn this chore into a moment of care that your child looks forward to each day.

I speak from experience, having raised two boys, one now off to college. This topic serves as both a distraction from this change in our household and a sincere hope to pass along helpful tidbits to a younger generation.

The four-part formula

A well-balanced lunch starts with four essentials: Protein, a “fun thing,” whole fruits or veggies and a beverage.

For protein, think beyond the basic sandwich. Leftovers can be repurposed into tasty handhelds — chicken burgers or slice

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