When I think about all the kid-related tasks I need to do every day during the school year, making school lunches is right at the bottom of the list. I'd rather fill out forms or cut out Box Top coupons than make lunches. However, I learned at the end of last year that the cafeterias at my kids schools use styrofoam trays and plastic utensils, which, as a bonafide recycling nut, is too much for me to take. Am I the only parent who somehow imagines it's still like when we were kids, with actual plates and metal utensils, dishwashers and food prepared on-site? Apparently, it isn't, and EVERYTHING is single-serve and disposable. Seven schools in my town times 300-600 kids per school times who knows how many towns -- it's mind-boggling to think of the waste produced by our schools.
And, of course, there's the concern about school lunch nutrition (or lack thereof). I know schools are working very hard to make lunches healthy, and in general I'm pleased with what they offer. However, many moms I know are extremely careful about the food that their children eat. When I looked at our budget and our beliefs, I realized that preparing healthy lunches in re-usable containers needs to be raised to the top of my list this year.
To help make this goal a reality, I prepared some printable planning tools -- a School Lunch Planner with plenty of space and a cheat sheet of School Lunch Ideas.
Download and print the School Lunch Planner HERE.
Download and print the School Lunch Ideas List HERE.
I'm always inspired by ideas and pictures on Pinterest and blogs. Here are my favorite sites that I'll be using to get ideas for fun and yummy lunches this year.
EasyLunchboxes.com Photo Gallery (Note: this is a product site for the Easy Lunchbox system but they have lots of great ideas too.)
100 Days of Real Food
SuperHealthy Kids
Parents.com Nutrition
Weelicious
Detoxinista
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