It was fall of 2004 and my oldest was entering first grade. Back then, kindergarten was three half-days a week and two full days, so it was easy to pack his lunch on the two long days. But first grade would be different and the prospect of his buying school lunch was so exciting for both of us.
That first time was unforgettable, as he bounded into the car at pick-up and reported he had Fruit Loops for lunch! You can imagine his joy at such a fabulous option. I mean, I got it!
I was in my 30s at the time and even now, in my 50s, still struggle with NOT choosing the Fruit Loops if given the option. What did I expect him to do, choose the mixed vegetables?
While Fruit Loops were not the end of the world, I did make a note to self, and going forward we looked at the menu for the week in advance and he chose which day he wanted to buy.
The remaining four days, I packed lunch and am here to say, it really can be easy, nutritious, and delicious. Here are some tips for how to do it:
Avoid Sugar
We all know too much sugar makes it hard to concentrate, not to mention the exhaustion that comes with the crash, so when packing lunch minimize added sugars and pile on protein and health carbohydreates.
Balance is Key
Balance is important in everything, but it really does help when packing lunch. You need protein, veggies and starch to keep your little human fueled, and a sweet treat at the end is always appreciated.
Equipment Matters
Your kid’s “lunch box” should be one they are excited to carry, preferably with some insulation. Also: invest in some small Tupperware and a small thermos. I asked my grown kids what lunches they remember most, and they all agreed they loved when I sent them to school with a thermos filled with warm tomato soup and cheddar cheese cubes at the bottom.
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Keep it Simple
The lunch period is short, so include whatever they need so they do not waste time sourcing spoons and napkins after they sit down.
Go for Varsity — and Use Leftovers!
Change it up — variety keeps life (and lunch) interesting. I also see lunch as a great leftover repurposing opportunity. (Another reason to have a good thermos.) Warm up leftover meatballs, dump them in the thermos and you’ve got a perfect at lunch. Same goes for spaghetti, chili, mac and cheese, and soups.
Cold leftovers are fair game as well. Roll up a chicken fajita or make some chicken salad with leftover roasted chicken for a great sandwich.
Include Fruit and Vegetables Every Day
Carrots, red pepper, celery, cherry tomatoes, jicama, bananas, berries, and grapes are all great options. Add some hummus or dip for the veggies and it is a perfect side. Guac and chips work great too.
One of our all-time favorite combinations were tart Granny Smith apple slices topped with a slice of Jarlsberg cheese, which also doubled as a go-to after school snack.
I have never forgotten a story told by a speaker at a school assembly years ago. Teaching your children what good nutrition looks like, she said, is not only for their health, but teachers them how to advocate or stand up for themselves. After all, they are learning these skills when they respond to a friend who may think it is strange to see red peppers instead of or in addition to Cheetos in a lunch box.
When it comes to variety, it does not have to be complicated.
Even just changing up the bread on their sandwich keeps it interesting. Most of the time we were a Martins potato bread house, but sometimes I’d send a wrap, or multigrain bread or a mini bagel.
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Cold Cuts Count
I am a big Applegate Farms fan, but there are so many nitrate-free and organic options, you can take your pick. Next time you make them a wrap, use hummus instead of mayo, it adds moisture, flavor and extra protein.
Other simple options are to send in hard boiled eggs, or some turkey or ham rolled up with a slices of cheese. Cream cheese and jelly sandwiches were a throwback from my childhood and became a regular in the rotation after nuts were no longer safe.
Lunch is More Than a Meal
My kids all remember the jokes and quotes I slipped into their lunch boxes. This was not an everyday thing, but as they have grown, this tradition has carried over to notes in suitcases or under pillows on their way to college or any adventure.
Whether they are at the table with you, or with their friends in the elementary school cafeteria, the food they eat, and memories they create over a meal are fundamental cornerstones from which everything is built. It may be just lunch, but it can be so much more. And it can still be easy.
By the way, I am thrilled to report after looking at the Rye school lunch menu, we have come a long way!
There are amazing options like taco bowls, black beans and rice, roasted broccoli, chicken Caesar salads as well as the forever favorites, pizza Fridays and brunch for lunch.
Fruit Loops were not even mentioned.