Back-to-School: Best Ways to Brown Bag It

It’s back to school time and many busy moms and dads are planning ahead. After all the school clothes, shoes and the multitude of supplies are bought the next question is, “Should they pack or buy lunch?”

Cuyahoga Falls National Lunch Program strives to provide a balance of nutritious items for kids to eat at lunch. But kids being kids, when buying lunch they might choose the a la carte items which include baked snacks, soft pretzels or cookies. 

Or they might trade their boring sandwich with a friend for a yummy brownie. Being health conscious parents a good choice is to send them with the most nutritious lunch that we can, with foods they love to eat. 

One way to keep school mornings less hectic is to plan ahead. Buying a thermal lunch bag and putting a cold pack in it will keep their lunches fresh.

We used to freeze juice boxes to act as the cold pack when our kids were packing. By lunch time the food was still fresh and the juice icy cold. Ask your kids what they love to eat for lunch. Knowing what your kids like is very important, so that they don’t trade lunch items, swapping out the fresh veggies or yogurt you packed for a fruit roll up or cookie.

Sandwiches: Alternate Both the Bread and the Fillings

Alternating whole grain breads, pitas, flat breads and tortilla wraps will keep the kids excited about lunch. Vary their sandwiches and think complex carbohydrates. Whole grain breads, tortillas and pitas will help them develop a taste for these items later in life while providing needed fiber and nutrients.

Have your kids put on their thinking caps and create fun sandwich fillings together. Lean chicken, turkey and roast beef layered between slices of low fat cheese creates a satisfying sandwich. Some fun wrap ideas include fillings such as Caesar salad with bacon, chicken salad, or tuna salad. For the peanut butter lovers, peanut butter spread on a soft tortilla or bread you have flattened with a rolling pin. Layer with bananas or sliced apples and roll to create a fun sandwich wrap. Reduced fat cream cheese can be mixed with their favorite jelly or jam for a tasty filling.

Cooking Ahead and Leftovers

You can cook skinless chicken breast, whole wheat pasta, or grilled fish over the weekend and store these in small portions in your refrigerator or freezer for the upcoming week. When you haven’t had time to cook, low fat cheeses and tuna packed in water are other great sources of protein to pack for lunch.

Fruits and Veggies

Kids like their fruit and vegetables sliced and ready to eat. Package sliced veggies, cherry tomatoes and their choice of dip. Include fresh fruit such as apples, orange slices or bananas. Create fun salads that can include shredded carrots and raisins.

Sandwich Shapes

Sometimes it is all in the way you slice it. Both my kids used to pull the crusts off their bread leaving half the sandwich behind. We began using sandwich cutters in fun shapes such as stars to keep their sandwiches interesting.

You can also create small, finger sized sandwich wraps for fun. Use leftover banana or zucchini bread and fill it with pineapple slices or cream cheese for a sweet, tasty sandwich.

Lunch fun is all about transforming the ordinary into extraordinary. Happy lunch making!