For some parents, summers are bittersweet. Families transition from a structured school year, into a relaxed time, filled with parties, pools, parks, and flexible mealtimes. Once in a groove, it’s time to wind down, and start preparing for back to school. That includes preparing school lunches. Kiddos eat about 5 times daily (meals and snacks), and a school lunch makes up 5 of those 35 weekly meals. When kiddos are involved and asked what’s important, meal-prep stress is reduced and lunch becomes a much more joyful experience. We developed these recipes after asking the kiddos what they loved the most, wanted to see more or less of, and what was truly important to them about this social meal.
Caleb’s Snack Pack
Guacamole
Roasted red pepper dip
Sugar snap peas
Raspberries
Gouda cheese rounds
Corn chips
Crackers
What is important to Caleb about this lunch?
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There’s no waiting in the lunch line so there’s plenty of time to talk with friends
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No prepackaged foods which create a lot of waste
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The idea behind this lunch is to make it like appetizers at a party
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Healthy, fresh and colorful
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The variations are endless
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No utensils required
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Finger foods are easy to share with friends
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Leftovers can be brought home for a snack
Karis’s Surprise Brunch Lunch
Mini protein waffles
Regular bacon
Tater tots
Fresh strawberries/blueberries
Pure maple syrup
What is important to Karis about this lunch?
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Brunch for lunch is her favorite because it’s sweet and it’s breakfast
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Includes healthy fruit like blueberries or strawberries
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Really likes it when it’s a surprise, because she knows mom and dad care
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She picks foods that she likes rather than just what her parents want
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Likes that it’s real bacon, not from turkey
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The portion is right for her
Emma and Mia’s Mediterrane-yum!
Tzatziki cucumber yogurt sauce
Hummus or baba ghanoush drizzled with olive oil
Bite size cheese like feta or mozzarella
Cucumbers and/or cherry tomatoes
Carrots
Grapes and/or berries
From a healthy nutrition lens, the Mediterranean approach offers variety, and a nutritional punch unlike any other. This style of eating continues to be the clear winner for keeping kiddos healthy, properly nourished, and full of energy. This approach virtually eliminates processed foods, promotes lots of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats. And variety - a symphony of nutrients, not one magic food - makes this approach stand out as a winner. With all the choices, it might be a long time before you see a repeat in this lunch box.
What’s important to Emma, Mia and their mom about this lunch?
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We eat with our eyes first and this kaleidoscope is beautiful
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Bento boxes support variety, separation of food, and no leaks
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Whole, minimally processed choices