I was recently invited to participate in a meal schedule where the needs were great and additional food beyond dinner was helpful. During this especially hard time, the family needed ready-to-pack lunch items for their school age children. I was at a loss about what to bring.

Whether you're looking for ideas to take to others, or new suggestions for ways to change up your own lunch routine, here are 4 quick, easy to make, easy to pack lunch ideas.

Double part of the dinner you're taking/making if it's something that is easily transportable. For the meal I took to my friends, I made honey sesame chicken, roasted broccoli, our favorite sweet and spicy sesame noodles, and dessert. The sesame noodles can be enjoyed warm or cold. I doubled the recipe, so the kids had enough for lunch the next day. I also brought along apples and carrots (tip - washing and cutting fruit and vegetables can be such a blessing to a family during a hard time. It may seem simple but taking that extra step for them makes a difference). The foods weren't anything fancy, but it made their morning less hectic since lunch was already prepared.

My kids will often pack turkey and cheese wraps for their lunches. Simply roll the turkey, cheese, and lettuce in a soft tortilla with cream cheese or ranch dressing to hold it all together. I love how Gimme Delicious packed these in to-go containers with some dried fruit and veggies, but you can also put plastic wrap around just the pinwheel sandwiches for easy transport.

DIY Lunchables make it easy to pack and go. Fill a bento box (or bring all the components in plastic baggies and allow your recipients to assemble it themselves) with cut up cheese, meat, such as salami, pepperoni, or ham, crackers, fruit, veggies, and single serve containers of hummus or guacamole.

Stuffed pita pockets are a nice change from the basic sandwich. Any kid would love a pizza pocket filled with marinara and mozzarella cheese. Or fill a whole wheat pita with the makings of a mini salad. The possibilities are endless.