Easy Kids Lunches

I don’t know about you but sometimes I struggle to feed my kids a lunch they will eat. When the kids were at in-person school this was an almost daily battle because, MY KIDS DON’T EAT SANDWICHES. Whose kids are these again? Anyway, even now being at home I’ve found that if I “pack” a lunch for my kids we avoid mid-afternoon meltdowns and our day is just better. It’s a small part of their routine that makes their life more normal (if that is even a thing now).

I had to take a step back, evaluate what was happening and how much food was uneaten. First, I bought separate containers for M that are bright and colorful (and she doesn't have to share with her brother!); she loves them. Invest in a thermos as well; it’s worth the money to have them. Second I needed to address portions. My 9 year old daughter does not need the same portion size that I do; she just won’t eat that much. When my kids look at their lunch I don’t want them to feel pressured to eat everything but if I find the sweet spot of the right portion, food is not wasted. I use the Rubbermaid Lunch Blocks with silicone muffin cups (4 in a block) and that’s the perfect portion for her.

Participation points. Get your kids involved in making their lunches. I’ve been successful with getting my almost 12 year old son to make his lunch pretty much every day. They are choosing what they want so the likelihood they will eat it is higher. Our only “rule” is there must be a fruit & vegetable present at all their meals.

Some of our favorites:

Chickpea mix-and-match (Gluten Free)

This is a mix and match situation as I have four muffin cups and fruit is on the side.

Garbanzo beans with garlic salt
Simple Mills almond crackers
Sliced cheddar
Turkey/Salami (she likes it in shapes and I have the time now!)
Fruit- this time of year we are eating lots of berries, melon, and stone fruit. But apples appear all the time!
Sliced carrots/cucumbers/hearts of palm. Whatever works and what your kid will eat!

Taco Salad (Gluten Free)

M doesn’t eat a lot of meat so we do this with beans, but taco meat works great

Chopped romaine
Black Beans & corn
Mild salsa
Shredded Cheddar
Sour Cream
Guacamole
Fruit on the side

Taco Salad with pickled carrot ribbons on top.

Charcuterie

My son is super into cheese and cured meats right now. So we find a couple stinky cheeses he likes, slice some baguette or croccatini crackers, coppa, prosciutto, olives, carrot ribbons (he has braces right now) or tomatoes. I can usually get some fruit on his plate too. This is a fun way to explore food with your kids.

Mini Hot Dogs & cornbread

Mini corn muffins (GF) with sliced hot dog or mini-sausages baked in (we use Tieton brand and find it at Costco)
Vegetarian baked beans
Fruit

Breakfast for lunch

Yogurt of choice
Granola
Side of fresh fruit