"Our oldest daughter, Evelina, earns an allowance and goes out every day for lunch. But Giulia loves her lunchbox. I make it every morning while she finishes breakfast." 

Pictured: mortadella, granola bar, individual cheese, apple slices and carrot sticks

"We pack things that we know Lorenzo will eat — something wholesome, something healthy and something just a bit naughty."

Pictured: mortadella on Italian bread, applesauce, hand-cut carrot sticks, string cheese and dark chocolate

"Tamales are so easy to make if you purchase the masa. And they freeze perfectly, so you can pop a few in the steamer until hot, put 'em in the lunchbox, and they stay warm until lunch." 

Pictured: tamales with corn, cheese, zucchini and tomato saute; jicama and cucumber sticks with lime and chile-lime powder; fresh fruit; honeydew agua fresca; dried mango with chile powder

"I try to pack a mixed bag for my kids. They need things that are crunchy, salty and, especially, colorful."

Pictured: mini baked ham sandwiches with Muenster and mayonnaise, homemade taco chips, hummus, Kefir drink, yellow grape tomatoes