School Lunch

Most schools have been in session for close to a month now, so let's be honest - those fancy home-packed lunches that graced our kids backpacks have been replaced with a) the standard PB&J, b) a Lunchable, or c) a few bucks for a "hot lunch" by now.

Because how long could even "Super Mom" continue this madness! 

Ok, really how many people ever actually make those besides Ms. Martha herself?  I am hoping just to offer some suggestions (that last more than the first 2 days) which can make your lunches a bit more fun, a bit more classy, and a bit more green. 

First up, let's talk about being a bit more green.  This is my first year packing lunches for my 1st grader, and so far I have been through a TON of those plastic sandwich baggies.  I think reusable baggies are in the near future.  The compartment lunch box also seems like a good idea - then you can eliminate baggies all together.

I do love the squeezable applesauce as they eliminate the need for the spoon. If I can make my own applesauce and reuse the pouches, that sounds even better.

 As far as what goes in these great vessels, here are a variety of fun and healthy options so your kids don’t get burnt out on ham sandwiches. 

 

At the top are some mac & cheese cups; then we have a whole wheat tortilla with peanut butter, bacon, and bananas; moving on are apples with cheese and ham; next is a balanced box with cold pizza, salad, pretzels, and berries; and lastly is a pita pocket with turkey and cucumbers.

Hope these ideas help you create some fun for your kids’ lunches!