DENVER – The start of the school year is just weeks away and, while there’s no shortage of the latest backpacks and school-supply displays at the big-box stores, nutrition experts are reminding parents of the importance of what’s in their child’s lunchbox as well.

Nutritionist Keith Kantor says packing a healthy lunch starts with what you give your child to drink.

“One thing that we all overlook is what the children drink,” he points out. “And what most parents do is, they give them something like a Juicy Juice – and you know, they’re empty calories, because it’s sugar or they have artificial sweeteners in there, which isn’t good for you, either.”

Instead, Kantor recommends making your own flavored water, by crushing berries or mint in a pitcher, as a healthier and cheaper alternative – and a project kids can help with.

He says it’s important to include at least two fruits and/or vegetables, some lean protein and a healthy fat as a part of a child’s lunch.

Kantor says pre-packing and planning the night before will help parents avoid falling into the habit of grabbing processed, low-nutrient foods for children’s lunches.

He says getting them invested in what’s in their lunchbox also is key.

“If you have the kids help you while you’re doing it and they’re engaged, then they take ownership of it,” Kantor stresses. “And they’re not throwing away the lunch that you made for them, and trading with somebody that has something unhealthy.”

A 2013 study by Baylor College of Medicine found that home-packed lunches were less likely to include fruit, vegetables and dairy-based foods than lunches purchased at school.

Experts also advise parents to make lunch portion sizes appropriate for the child’s age and dietary needs.