THE BETTER BROWN BAG.

Heading back to school doesn't have to mean facing the formidable hair nets doling out sloppy joes and tater tots. That unappealing scenario can be particularly difficult for kids with food allergies. Walnut Acres offers refreshing alternatives by putting an eco-twist on the old brown bag lunch. An extensive selection of organic nut butters, such as cashew, sunflower and soy, make for peanut-free alternatives. Or for those wanting to spice up the old staple, try the tasty peanut-honey-sesame spread and partner it with one of Walnut Acres' organic fruit spreads, such as sour cherry or apricot, or the company's old-fashioned jams, like raspberry or strawberry.

And now your lactose-intolerant kid can chug like the best of them from White Wave's half-pint soy milks. The vanilla and chocolate Silks are full of plant proteins, not chemicals or growth hormones, and have a smooth sweet taste even your picky eater will love. Both product lines can now be found at natural foods markets. The nut butters and preserves sell for around $5 and the soy milk for 79 cents. CONTACT: Walnut Acres Organic Farms, [phone]/www.walnutacres.com; White Wave Vegetarian Cuisine, [phone]/www.whitewave.com.