Peanut alternatives

According to nutritionist Katherine Musgrave of the University of Maine, a peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread is one of the least expensive ways for a child to load up on nutrients. However, there are plenty of viable, protein-rich alternatives for lunch.

“Peanuts are a very valuable food, but one can get the same nutrients in many other foods,” Musgrave said.

When Brewer’s elementary school lunch program eliminated peanut butter from the cafeteria line, it added yogurt and cold cuts to the menu. Marilyn Gould, the city’s food service dietitian, suggests these nutritious, nut-free lunch-bag options:

. String cheese

. Cheese and crackers

. Tuna sandwich

. Cold cuts and cheese

. Yogurt – either traditional or drinkable

. Fruit or vegetable sticks as a snack

. Soy nut butter or sunflower butter