“What’s for lunch?”
I remember cracking open my favorite lunch boxes when I was in grade school to see what Mom had packed for me that day. I loved her homemade lunch-ables, and sometimes a cookie or two nestled in for dessert. I never wanted to trade my lunches because I loved them. Best of all? Her notes written on napkins, paper bags and sometimes a sticky note on my sandwich. I hope that I can make such good lunches for Red and Scarlett!
With the school year underway, I’m sure you’ve already made a lion’s share of lunches and might need a refreshing idea or two to mix up your child’s school lunch. Here are some great new protein ideas, trash-free lunch tips and even some bento that even the newbie chef can prepare.
Peanut-free Protein Options
Sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches
Humuus and veggies to dip
Hotdogs and a bun can stay warm in a tall thermos
Cookie cutter shaped lunchmeat and cheese bites- add crackers for your own “Lunch-able”
Macaroni or broccoli corn muffins
Ham cheese roll ups, secured with a toothpick
Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas
Black Beans and sour cream in a soup thermos
Homemade Bento Boxes
Trash-free Lunch Tips
- I love going trash-free with our school lunch when we can. Using those bento boxes cuts down on plastic baggies and a classic refillable thermos can never be replaced.
- Silicone cupcake liners can act as cups and separators and go right in the dishwasher when you get home.
- Use cloth napkins and even camping silverware that clips together. These can be tossed back in your lunchbox or freezable lunch bag and brought home to be cleaned. You can even snag reusable straws for juices and milks, too!
- Make sure you are labeling everything with dishwasher safe name labels so they can come home to you!
Field-Trip Lunch Tips
- When your child heads off on a school field trip, make sure that everything in their school lunch is either recyclable or toss-able. You can almost guarantee that your own mother’s hand-me-down tupperware is not going to return to your house. That nice, stainless steel spoon? Gone, baby. Gone. Paper lunch bags are a great way to personalize your child’s lunch and make sure they can dispose of it properly!
- Try freezing that applesauce pouch or go-gurt stick to use as your ice pack – by lunchtime, it’s thawed and ready to eat!
- Doodle on your kid’s paper sack and leave a note to let them know how special they are. No art skills required – a smiley face can go a long way!
Meal-Prep Ideas
- Make small bags of pretzels and dried fruit to toss in lunch boxes all week.
- Shop the warehouse clubs for sides that your kids enjoy. They are often portioned out for you!
- Make a few chicken and cheese quesadillas on Sunday night and refrigerate them – they are great at room temperature and full of protein
- Bake up some muffin cups of cornbread and broccoli, or eggs and ham. These are easy to snag and press into a silicone cupcake liner for your bento box!
- Bruise a banana with a toothpick to write a fun note for your child
- Slice and core an apple. Put it back together like a puzzle and wrap the whole thing in saran wrap to prevent it from browning!
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