Food for thought

August 25, 2007 | Print

School Lunch Ideas

School days are fast approaching, which often means packing snack and lunch for preschool.

We’ve heard two theories about school lunches, one to keep the meal fairly the same because kids like the routine and know what to expect, the other to vary their lunches so they get a variety of foods and a bit of surprise each day.

We combine the two by sticking to a regular outline, and then mixing and matching a bit. We always ask for feedback, and note what’s not eaten so we can make changes as needed. Preschool teachers often let us know our child’s preferences as well.

Snack
Protein and a fun thing: An all in one food, otherwise two items, though some kids only have time to eat (or prefer) one thing.
Goat yogurt, fruit stick, almond butter with crackers or apple slices, dried apricots or other fruit.

Lunch
Protein: Almond butter and fruit spread or sliced bananas sandwich, turkey and cheese roll-up, soup in a small container, spelt noodles and turkey, quinoa with peas and chicken, black bean and rice burrito.
Vegetable: Cooked or raw carrots or celery, cooked broccoli, cauliflower.
Fun thing: Crackers, raisins or other fruit, low sugar cookie (like Healthy Times Wheat/Dairy Free Toddler Cookies), fruit stick.
Drink: Water or milk.

We also like to use this great, environmentally friendly lunch box gear.

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