School lunch is a hot topic on these internet streets—understandably so. Here’s my formula to take some of the stress away.
These kids are picky, but we also want to ensure they have a filling and balanced midday meal. At least, we want to provide one because there’s no telling what’s happening in the lunch room.
I have to pack two school lunches every day. My youngest will attend daycare part-time and will have lunch provided there. This will be my fourth year packing school lunches, not including the daycare days when my picky daughter refused what was being served. I have a formula that I use to guide me. It’s not foolproof, but it tends to work most days.
Lunch Formula
- Main dish – sandwich or wrap (cold or warm), peanut butter & crackers, tuna & crackers, something warm (pizza, beans & rice, chili, broccoli & rice, sweet potatoes & broccoli, grilled cheese)
- Fruit – fresh fruit, fruit cup, smoothie
- Salty/crunchy – usually pretzels, sometimes potato chips or tortilla chips
- Cheese – it’s that little something to fill that last empty pocket
- Drink – I always send them with a water bottle, and sometimes I send juice too (in refillable bottles); check out this soda & the kids approved!
Snack Formula
- Fruit – usually an applesauce pouch (I use refillable pouches)
- Something fun – I let them pick. It’s that little something that signals the day is almost over. It might be mini donuts, graham crackers, a few cookies
- Bonus – a fruit bar – think fruit roll-up but more healthy
After School Formula
- Eat whatever is left in your lunchbox, or grab a piece of fruit
On most days, this school lunch routine works well for my kids. It helps me stay organized and reduces the morning chaos. I usually pack their lunches in the morning. Occasionally, I plan their lunches based on the dinner meal plan for the week. My kids appreciate knowing what to expect.
Warm Lunches vs Cold Lunches
I switch it up. Sometimes, they prefer one over the other; other days, they don’t mind. I like to send warm lunches during the colder months. My kids keep a hoodie in their lockers and tell me that the classrooms are usually cold, so I think a warm lunch is necessary.
I have several school lunch videos on my YouTube channel. If you need a visual, please check them out and share with your mom friends. There are also recipes for dinner, smoothies, coffee, and breakfast.
I hope this helps! If it does, please let me know in the comments.
Also, some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, the price remains the same for you. 😁
