School lunch ideas

[Wilson]

I'll have 2 needing lunches 5 days/week this year, so I won't be relying so much on the school lunch option. Anyone (especially those of you that have done this a lot longer than I have) have lunch ideas? Here's what I have so far:

Protein
Chicken pieces
Chicken nuggets
Salami
Meatballs
Turkey
Sliced meat
Sausage
Bratwurst
Hot dogs
Almond butter
Nuts

Starch/Carbs
Cheese
Cream cheese
Bagels
Crackers
Tortillas
Chips
Pasta (Tortellini, Spaghetti, etc.)
Muffins

Veggie
Broccoli
Potatoes
Grape tomatoes
Cucumbers
Salad


Fruit
Watermelon
Nectarines
Grapes
Peaches
Apples
Cantaloupe
Berries


Dessert
Cookies

[baby duck]

I think you pretty much have it covered, though I'm not there yet.

Brownies are pretty packable if you want to add that to the dessert list.

[eaglesprings]

Hey, Wilson, what type of lunch box are you using? I assume you are sending a thermos for hot stuff like spagetti?

I encourage the girls to eat as much as they want in the cafeteria, but I've pretty much stuck to peanut butter or deli meat sandwiches, with a fruit juice and piece of fruit when they take their lunch. Your list sounds wonderful!

[Wilson]

I have a few of these: http://www.laptoplunches.com/
Then new this year is THIS (http://www.bazoongi.com/detail.asp?xCode=12201&UPC=839539000829) for my 5yo and THIS (http://www.lunchboxes.com/stones.html) for my 8yo. I don't worry too much about keeping stuff hot. My kids don't mind room-temperature, as long as stuff like pasta is warmed before I pack it in the lunch. They don't like sandwiches, though! I'd be just fine with packing PB&J or a deli sandwich, but they won't eat them!

[FamilyGal]

You have a helluva lot more choices than I ever offered. THANKS!

We have always had a sandwich, chips, drink and a snack. My kids are the kind that like the same thing EVERY day. Just this last year, they started wanting a variety and would sometimes take leftovers or Vienna Sausages. (Blech!)

[Wilson]

Brownies are a great idea! Thanks!

[Wilson]

If my kids would eat a sandwich, that would probably be all I'd pack!

[eaglesprings]

LOL! Wilson, I must confess. When I make a "deli meat sandwich," they usually take the meat out of the sandwich and discard the bread!

I also send along some fruit, or a fruit bar, or a cereal type bar. For oldest, I send a high fiber cracker, such as Triscuit. She loves the South Beach whole grain crackers, but they are getting hard to find.

[Wilson]

I can add granola bars to my list. And yes, when I say Crackers, my kids like Triscuits or English crackers with a nice cheese. They're so picky! They won't touch velveeta or American cheese, but they love Brie, a good swiss, or anything moldy & stinky!

[smcbelle]

Maybe this is a stupid question - But, how do you pack chicken nuggets and hot dogs so that they don't spoil, dry out, etc.?

[Wilson]

They eat lunch only after it's been packed for about 3 hours or so. I just don't worry about it spoiling and they've not complained about anything being dried out. I don't know how else to do this - the containers are sealed pretty well and they do keep moisture in.

[JOliver]

Wow... I always got a cold meat and cheese sandwich, a bag of carrots, some cookies, and a juice (can or box).

Sounds like you got it all planned out and I'm sure they will be happy with what you make them! :D

[FamilyGal]

I always got a cold meat and cheese sandwich, a bag of carrots, some cookies, and a juice (can or box).


And you turned out okay, right? :)

[Candleman]

I guess my Momma didn't like me I got PB&J or leftover meatloaf sandwich ,chips cookies, and milk from school.

[cgwoolf]

Wilson - hate to say it - but I would definitely worry about the food especially in the warmer months. That's why they say don't leave food out on the counter top - refrigerate it. The bacteria just grows and grows.

[JOliver]

And you turned out okay, right? :)

Well, I am 6'4" and have a lot of muscle and I would say I am fairly intelligent. So maybe those sandwiches helped me. =D

[eaglesprings]

J: The sandwiches and the carrots, plus your DNA! LOL!

Even here at the house, we have a good breakfast, a good "supper" (Southern for "Dinner") and at lunch we just somewhat snack, or have a sandwich. I can't see going all out for their lunches, when they don't want to eat in the cafeteria. A sandwich (with good quality deli meat, not the "filler" stuff), some fruit or fruit bar, some 100 percent fruit juice, and some whole grain crackers.

However, I am planning on earlier "supper" times this school year. They are hungry when they get home from school, so might as well have supper at about 4:00, and do the snacking later.

[FamilyGal]

However, I am planning on earlier "supper" times this school year.

We have had always eaten by 5:00 in our house for the reasons you mentioned. There were many times we were seated at the table waiting on my oldest daughter to get home so we could start eating. She would get off of the bus and walk into the house just in time for dinner. Then, they can have a snack around 7:00 and it not be so close to bedtime.

That's just hard for many families to do if the husband doesn't get home until 6:00 or so. My husband works 24 hr shifts, so when he is home, he is home all day and we can eat early. When he isn't home, we can still eat early and not leave someone out. I think it is just as important for everyone to sit down as a family. More important than eating earlier actually.

[Wilson]

My dh doesn't get home until 7pm or even later sometimes, so we do have an earlier dinner without him. The kids need to be in bed by 8pm during the school year and dh likes to do the bedtime routine with them when he's in town. It works out okay, I guess. I'd love to move back to Houston so he wouldn't have this commute, but he's against it.

[eaglesprings]

Well, I've given up on family "sit down" meals. Husband's schedule is so unpredictable, and we can't plan meals, or "our" sleep, around it. The kids and I will have a "sit down" meal together, but not always, simply because I am often happy with snacking. I'm more concerned that they eat. We get family time in other ways.

I could complain, but our circumstances also make it easier for me to serve earlier suppers! I plan on taking advantage of that this year!

[Wilson]

I understand that some people do place a high priority on family meals and I think it's great if it can work out like that. I didn't grow up like that, but dh did. I was surprised early on at how important it was to him that we all eat together - and at the table at that lol. The habit has grown on me - I think it's nice, but with dh's commute & schedule, he'd rather have a sit-down breakfast with the kids in the mornings and then just have that nighttime routine with them in the evenings. It worked out well last year and I intend to try it again this school year. But as with anything, especially when children are involved, the best laid plans are often out the door the first day lol.

[FamilyGal]

Earlier suppers I think work better for everyone. The kids eat more of their meal if that is what they eat right after school, instead of snacks. You get more time to clean up the kitchen and can still relax before it is bedtime.

When our dinners were later, I found myself having to do dishes after everyone was in bed. I hate doing housework after everyone is in bed. That is my QUIET time. And in the fall, all of the good shows are on that I like to enjoy.

[eaglesprings]

I understand that some people do place a high priority on family meals and I think it's great if it can work out like that. I didn't grow up like that, but dh did. I was surprised early on at how important it was to him that we all eat together - and at the table at that lol. The habit has grown on me - I think it's nice, but with dh's commute & schedule, he'd rather have a sit-down breakfast with the kids in the mornings and then just have that nighttime routine with them in the evenings. It worked out well last year and I intend to try it again this school year. But as with anything, especially when children are involved, the best laid plans are often out the door the first day lol.

It is how I was raised too, Wilson, and it is a wonderful idea! But, not always "doable" in all circumstances. I think the "family meal" idea is meant more to promote family "together and communication" time, and perhaps teach table manners to the kids. I felt a lot of guilt about this for a while. But, I realize I'm banging my head against a wall when I try to do it here, and it isn't worth it! As Family Gal says, I think I'd be better off planning earlier suppers, then relaxing with the kids before bed, rather than insisting on formal meals.

[FamilyGal]

I'm sorry if I came across seeming like everyone should be doing the "family meal" thing. I seriously doubt if my dh had a "normal" schedule we would do it as often. I can't imagine making kids wait to eat until 7:00 or later to eat when daddy gets home. Assuming he doesn't run late, etc.... I know it is very hard to do that with traditional schedules. Not to mention working moms! If I was working full time, my kids would be lucky to eat anything not heated up in a microwave or picked up in a drive through! :) My thing is to do what works for your family. I know a few families who don't eat until 9 or later. That doesn't work for my family, but it does for theirs. That's really all that matters.

[FamilyGal]

to promote family "together and communication" time

For us, we found that the older they get, the more directions everyone is headed. Dinner is the only time we really get to sit down and catch up on what everyone is doing.

There was a movie a long time ago where they said their "High and Low" for the day at dinner. Each person would take a turn. We started doing that after we saw it and are still doing it years later. It is a great conversation starter and gets the kids thinking. Like most kids, when asked how their day went, they will say, "Fine." "What did you do today?" "Nothing." Asking their high and low made them think about it and come up with an answer. Many times their high was dinner and their low was just going to school, but it has been fun throughout the years to hear them all.

[Wilson]

That sounds like a trick that I use to get my kids talking - ask "what was your favorite thing that happened today". I think I learned it in "How to Talk so your kids will listen; How to listen so your kids will talk". (http://www.amazon.com/Talk-Kids-Will-Listen-Child/dp/1853407054/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-0427666-8863239?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187491161&sr=8-1) I *love* that parenting book.

[TXrose]

When my kids were little it was hard to have us all sit down at the same time because hubby didn't get home till after 6 pm sometimes. So usually they ate early and he and I sat down later, the kids would usually have a evening snack then. Now that they are older, only one is left home and the three of us do eat together because now he can wait till after 6 pm to eat!!!

[schnauzermom]

It's been nice this summer for us we usually eat some cheese and crackers then have a late dinner. When school starts who knows how things will be. We may eat early some days and late others. We try to eat as a family as often as possibe, sometimes even if it's in front of the tv. Does that defeat the purpose?

[Wilson]

"Whatever works" is one of my mottos! Purpose, schmorpose.

[FamilyGal]

My kids will be having chocolate covered popcorn in their lunch for about two weeks...hehe (Wilson and I had scout popcorn training tonight and were given a few samples.) That is if we don't eat it all first. ;)

[Wilson]

Bump! ;)

Anyone have meal ideas that worked for your kids last year? We learned that our kids will eat sandwiches... if they have bacon on them! So dh started calling all their sandwiches "Clubs" and cutting one piece of bacon in half. Kept the kids happy and made life a lot easier for us!

I found his article just now... hopefully it has some good ideas:
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/backtoschool/backtoschool?mbid=RF

[mande]

My oldest, who is now in his second year of college, never ate lunch at school. If I packed a lunch, it came home uneaten, if he bought lunch in elementary school, he ended up throwing it away. In high school, I'd give him some money to buy lunch, on a rare occassion he would, normally, he pocketed the money:D My youngest, who is in high school, takes the same thing everyday, Peanut butter and jelly... If I pack something different, he brings it home untouched...

[TripleA]

I don't have a lot to add regarding lunches, but I was watching the Early Show while feeding the baby this morning and there were some great breakfast ideas from Katie Lee Joel (Billy Joel's VERY young wife!). Here is a link to the recipes she showed:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/13/earlyshow/living/recipes/main4346759.shtml

I want to try the backpack bagels and breakfast bars with my kiddos at breakfast. I get tired of pop tarts and cereal being all they want all the time!!

[Wilson]

My kids are just spoiled. Dh will make them fairly elaborate breakfasts in the morning, but they also will pick cereal (especially for that second breakfast...). Dh will make pancakes, french toast, eggs cooked 50 different ways, bacon, sausage, etc. I'm usually still in bed :p.

They also get bored with their lunches. Remember, these kids are the ones that request things like lobster... sushi... Kobe beef... it's a shame we can't afford to satisfy their young palates :rolleyes1:.

[TripleA]

I could just see your boys showing up to school with sushi - that would be hilarious!

My DH leaves by 5:30 in the morning, so breakfast is up to me. I know I need to put more effort into it, but we have to be out the door by 7:30 each morning and between packing lunches, making sure their outfits match and getting a baby fed and dressed, there's not a lot of time for bacon and eggs, much as they would like that!

[Wilson]

I think your situation is more "normal". Believe me, they cry when dh is out of town! It's all about the food! :rofl: You'd never guess it by how skinny they are... I'd do anything for that metabolism! And neither of them will eat peanut butter...

[msmichellemiller]

I know I need to put more effort into it, but we have to be out the door by 7:30 each morning and between packing lunches, making sure their outfits match and getting a baby fed and dressed, there's not a lot of time for bacon and eggs, much as they would like that!

I cheat! Microwave pankcakes (or waffles, french toast, eggs, oatmeal, whatever so long as it's microwaveable) and I buy the pre-cooked bacon. Oscar meyer makes one that's decent. You can put it as is on sandwiches or heat it up wrapped in papertowels no more than 20 seconds for a hot breakfast side.
Is it the same as the giant Daddy-Breakfasts they get on Sunday mornings? No...but they know Mommy does not fry things! :p

[msmichellemiller]

I am leaning towards Rocko eating the school lunch. Well...I say that now but I have not seen what their menus are like yet. It will depend on that but he's not our most picky eater. I'm sure it would have to be nutritious and good quality, right?
I heard on the news about HISD school lunches going up to like $1.80 or something. I thought, shoot, Rocko's lunches are more than that anyway, at $2. Must be better food! :) (but then again...what the heck does 2 bucks get ya? eek...)
Now the kindergarteners are allowed to bring a bottled water and snack to class, too. I think that's great but I wonder how they deal with that in class. Seems like it'd be a mess and what about some kids that might not be able to bring anything?

[Wilson]

In Kindergarten last year, the moms got together and just sent in big boxes of cereal every now and then in case somebody forgot snack. It's not a big deal to have a box of cereal in the classroom for backup. Kindy snack time isn't too messy... wipe the desk, pour out the snacks, have their water bottle, snack for a few minutes, then cleanup and wipe the desks down. Not a big deal and it's a nice break.

The extra money isn't because the lunches are better ;). They all get the food from the same suppliers. I think CISD could do a LOT better than what they are. Buying lunch is certainly a lot easier than packing it every day. I usually let my kids buy when dh is out of town just to give myself a break. They have different choices everyday and it's a cross between when I had for school lunch as a kid and fast food. Nothing is prepared at the school cafeterias anymore (at least for Elementary). It might be warmed up and unwrapped, but that's it.

[msmichellemiller]

The extra money isn't because the lunches are better ;). They all get the food from the same suppliers. I think CISD could do a LOT better than what they are. Buying lunch is certainly a lot easier than packing it every day. I usually let my kids buy when dh is out of town just to give myself a break. They have different choices everyday and it's a cross between when I had for school lunch as a kid and fast food. Nothing is prepared at the school cafeterias anymore (at least for Elementary). It might be warmed up and unwrapped, but that's it.
Really? That's surprising. I guess I'm still undecided, then. Since the beginning will be more hectic I'm thinking we'll do lunch money/cafeteria trial the first week. I can make up my mind better after that.
I'm guessing I will always have to pack Rex's lunches when he starts school. I doubt the cafeteria offers special diets! Man..I don't even want to start thinking what a pain managing his shibby at school will be like....Good thing we got plenty of time.

[momoftwo]

I pack for oldest, because he is so picky! He started eating the pizza on Friday's and mini corn dogs I think, but other than that, he won't eat the food. He did buy ice cream and other things on days he packed. So I always keep money in his account.