Back to School Meal Prep Ideas

Updated on August 10, 2009
S.S. asks from Fort Collins, CO
13 answers

I hate to sound like such a 'rookie', but I really am! I have a little, girl, age 4 who will be attending all day preschool 3 days a week, and to further complicate, is also starting a new daycare, both of which require that I a pack a lunch. How to stay creative and nutritious, while keeping it simple enough for a career woman to prepare? Please when you are responding to this, do not think, 'hey that is so simple/obvious', I am sure she has already thought of this!'. I probably have not! I am getting nervous. Please help!

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S.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

We have enjoyed our Laptop Lunches set, and the Web site is full of ideas. There are several books available on this topic--one is "Brown Bag Success" and "The Vegan Lunch Box." If you look up that one on Amazon.com, it's likely to show you a few other suggestions. There are also books of cute ideas for cute love notes in lunch boxes.
Check out the "Lunch in a Box" blog. I think it will pop up if you Google it.
It helped me to think of lunch as small componants, and remember that my kids don't mind assembling something or eating the individual componants. Dipping is always a hit. So, instead of a burrito, I might send tortilla strips with refried beans spread on them and rolled up, a few slices of cheese, a few chips with salsa or guacamole for dipping and a scoop of rice. Sounds like alot but if you keep the servings small it makes for a nice little colorful lunch.
Happy packing!

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M.

answers from Denver on

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet, but my kids love apples, but can't eat an apple whole (or dont like to ) I cut it into sliced and pack in a container with apple juice. The juice keeps the apple from turning brown, and they can drink the juice) I think they make apple fruit cups now, but this way lets me pick the juice. Also string cheese is my kids favorite-you can buy light cheese sticks now.

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S.L.

answers from Boise on

We went to a free summer lunch program in the park while my husband was out of work, and I was excited to see what they packed in their cold lunches. I dodged the bullet this year and my son doesn't need a lunch in kindergarten. But I still like having ideas!

They usually had one item from each category below:

"Main dish":
Tortilla wraps--a slice of American cheese (not Kraft singles, which state they are "cheese food." Look for Deluxe brand or buy at the big warehouse stores) and two thick slices of ham or turkey lunch meat. In a small container they provided shredded lettuce, tomato slice, and pickle slices to add (but I don't know why you couldn't put them on and have it ready to go)

Bagel with a small container of cream cheese. My kids couldn't eat very much of the whole-wheat bagels, though. They're kinda dry and heavy.

PB&J. You could also try peanut butter and banana (sliced bananas instead of jelly)

Fruit:
Small containers of applesauce, diced pears, fruit cocktail, sliced strawberries with grapes, watermelon, etc.
Whole apple (I prefer slices because my kids seem to eat more of them. They can eat an entire apple if it's sliced, but can't finish a whole one)

Veggies:
They always included a baggie with two broccoli florets, two cauliflower florets, and two baby carrots, with a small container of Ranch to make sure it didn't all end up in the garbage can :) My kids and I don't like raw broccoli or cauliflower, so they only ate the carrots.

Side:
Bag of Sunchips. Always Sunchips! They really are a lot healthier than any other kind.
Oatmeal/raisin cookie
Jello (or add fruit like crushed pineapple and make it your fruit)
Yogurt

We also like a sliced plain or egg bagel with a slice or two of real American cheese or cheddar cheese in the middle (add lunch meat if she likes that)
My kids love raisins (easy to buy in tiny boxes) and Craisins, dried apricots and banana chips. Those are easy to have on hand when you don't have fresh fruit.

If you put half the peanut butter on one slice of bread and half on the other, with the jelly in the middle, PB&J's are fine over night. They only get gross if the jelly soaks into the bread.

My kids also like PB&J "roll ups," on a tortilla and rolled up. It's kinda fun that way. You could try refried beans, some shredded cheese and a little salsa in a roll up, too.

My kids also love cheese 'n crackers. Again, the real American cheese or cheddar, cut into squares, with Ritz or saltines. One son hates meat, so he eats it like that. My other son likes squares of lunch meat to add. They like to build their own stacks, or eat them separately.

My SIL always has hummus on hand. I'd never had it before, but I bet you could do some roll ups with that and it could be tasty.

We avoid fruit snacks, because despite the name, they're just fruit-flavored candy. I also don't buy the individual fruit cups or applesauce cups because they're so expensive! We have small plastic containers and divvy up a can of fruit or jar of applesauce into them. You can also make a bunch of little cups of Jello in them. My kids would LOVE to have a small container of just mandarin oranges or chunk pineapple. And you can have a bunch all divvied up and waiting in the fridge to grab quickly.

You'll have to adjust quantities to fit her appetite, too. The lunch program was for kids ages 1-18, so it was sometimes too much food for my preschoolers (as ravenous as they usually are!)

Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

Think "outside the lunch box!" Many things you eat for dinner make a great lunch. You'll need to purchase small freezer packets to keep the food from spoiling. I think you'll find this helpful. It gives a ton of yummy ideas>
http://www.babybites.info/2009/03/17/kid-friendly-lunches/

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A.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I've decided that since I've got 2 lunches to prepare this year-in the morning since PBJ doesn't keep overnight w/o being nasty-I'm going to have them tell me the night before what kind of sandwich they want so I can have it ready to go early. Because I've got an ADHD kid & a kindergartner I keep it simple: meat, PB, or Nutella? ham or turkey/strawberry or grape jelly? mayo or mustard? Okay so it's not a simple process but their questions are.
Since you're looking for nutritious & simple, start cutting up veggies on a weekend day when you don't have to work. Cut carrots, celery, broccoli, etc-whatever she likes to eat cold. You can cut some fruits, but you might have to prepare most of them the night before (peel oranges or clementines-I prefer clementines because they're kid-sized, slice apples-they can be eaten faster when sliced rather than eaten off the core). You can cut strawberries, slice peaches, plums, etc a couple of days in advance. I bought some of those too-little-to-really-use containers-they're perfect for apple slices, half-sandwiches. If she can't easily open them (have her practice before you get them) use sandwich baggies-they get more expensive though, which is why I switched to containers (I've got 3 kids eating cold lunch)
Depending on how much patience you have at the end of the day, she could help prepare a meat sandwich & if you've got morning time before school she could even help/make her PB&J sandwich.
I usually do a sandwich, a side (chips/fruit/veggies/string cheese/Slim Jim) & a dessert (fruit snacks, cookies, honey buns, prepackaged brownies)-my big boy packs his own but I pack the little 2's for them. If you need to send a drink too, I've heard the Naglene kid containers are great-virtually breakproof. I found a goo-insulated container (has that blue gel inbetween the cup & outer part) that had a snack cup & a straw cup, but I found it at the PX & don't remember the brand. capri Sun makes 100% juice pouches, I think Juicy Juice has juice boxes too. I send milk in the winter when I can, & just throw in a lunchbox icepack (look by the kid dishes at Walmart-they're shaped like trucks, footballs, flowers, etc) to keep it cool.
You'll be fine Mom & you'll be able to do it w/your eyes closed by Christmas break!

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

You have gotten some great ideas I have to add in a a teacher I see what he kids eat. Make sure they can open the cases there food is in by themselves. Also I liked when kids didn't have a treat or just a treat on Friday they don't need to have a sugar crash at school. Also they don't need a lot of choices just a few things will be fine especially if they have a snack at school. Also kids love when they have warm food in thermos chicken nuggets, mac and cheese left over dinners. Try new things you will see what works good luck.

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C.T.

answers from Denver on

Hi S. - I totally understand this. Don't feel overwhelmed, just understand it's going to take a little planning on your part. I agree with both of the posts so far, pack the things she likes to eat. My kids never minded something being room temp. that I might like hot.

At least in my son's preschool, at 4 , they were expected to be able to sit down and eat their lunch with minimal help from a teacher. This might be something to consider when you are packing her lunch.

Find out if there are any food restrictions like peanuts or peanut butter. This probably is not the time to spring new foods are her so maybe try new recipes for another meal and see if she likes them first.

Here are some regulars on my kid's lunch menu:

1. Tuna salad with slivered almonds
2. meat and cheese or just cheese sandwich
3. tortilla rolls - my kids liked cream cheese, shredded cheese, turkey and lettuce. Roll tightly and cut into little wheels
4. Ziti pasta with spag. sauce/pasta with alfredo sauce
5. ham and cheese rolls - thin slice of ham with a light spread of cream cheese and then rolled. Serve with crackers
6. Lunchables
7. PBJ sandwiches or on ritz crackers
8. bagel sandwiches
9. side items my kids like are fruit, grape tomatos, sliced cucumber, carrot sticks with ranch, fruit rollups, cookies, puddings, etc.
10. Check with your preschool/daycare if they allow juice boxes or boxed milks.

You might also ask your daycare provider if they will heat anything for you in the microwave. That way she could have EasyMac, hot dogs or any heat and serve item.

Hope you have a great school year!

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S.A.

answers from Fort Collins on

Hi S., you have some great suggestions already. The only thing I'll add is that I try to do things that are already prepackaged - it cuts out some time with prep, but it might be a little more expensive in the long run.

Popular items the kids like for their lunches are:
Cheese stix or the little cheese slices that are individually wrapped; Horizon's organic to-go yogurt (in the tubes, then you don't have to worry about spoons); baby carrots, snap peas or already cut veggies in a bag; Clementines (little oranges they can peel themselves), or pre-sliced apples, bananas, grapes; granola bars for something sweet; sometimes I'll add the fruit-in-a-cup (mandarin oranges, no sugar added apple sauce, or tropical fruit) if I don't have any raw fruit on hand; sometimes I'll pack the fruit leather strips you can find in the natural foods isle at most grocery stores; I don't do a lot of chips, but if I do, it's the baked or natural ones - the kids really like the baked crunchy Cheetos or natural Cheeto Puffs - or I'll do baked Goldfish, whole wheat crackers or Annie's natural cheddar bunnies; I usually pack a Horizon organic milk (a little expensive, but I wait until they're on sale and buy a bunch) - I love these because they come in a variety of flavors (but my kids will drink the plains ones just as well), they don't have to be refrigerated, and they're easy to pack and use. I'm not a huge fan of juice, even if it's 100%, because they pack a lot of un-needed sugar in them (4 grams roughly equals a teaspoon of sugar - yikes!), but sometimes I'll buy the Juicy Juices or Minute Maid 100% juices in the smaller containers. As far as a sandwich goes, my kids usually ask for pb & j's - I use 100% whole wheat bread and the natural Skippy peanut butter (great b/c you don't have to stir it) and all fruit jellies. I also sometimes make pb & j quesadillas (just use mini tortillas).

I always seem to be struggling in the mornings to get everyone ready and out the door on time, so I try to make most of the lunch the night before and make the sandwich in the morning. My oldest son is going into 1st grade this year, and I'm planning on having him help me with lunches - picking things out that he wants and helping me put them together.

Good luck with the lunches, and don't fret too much about it. I think us moms worry about it more than the kids ever do!! And, thanks to all the other moms who responded. I got some more lunch ideas!

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J.N.

answers from Salt Lake City on

There's nothing wrong with the "old standby" of sandwiches. Whatever kid she likes - balogna, tuna, ham, turkey, etc. PB&J is okay if there are no allergy issues at the school. Then add in an easy to eat fruit (the fruit cups or applesauce cups are great for single-servings) and/or veggie (a few baby carrots, or if she'll eat them a couple broccoli or cauliflower florettes) and maybe a small cookie or something for dessert.

To make it easier on you, make the lunches the night before and put the lunchbox in the fridge, all ready to go. Then make sure to grab it on your way out the door in the morning.

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A.C.

answers from Denver on

S.,
I have older kids (10 and 7) and the best thing we started using last year was an insulated thermos. (You can find online at solutions.com or at Target or Walmart). They are wonderful to keep hot foods hot or cold foods cold without an ice pack. We use ours for soup, canned ravioli or spaghettios, EZ mac n' cheese, leftovers, fruit salad, yogurt, etc. Another idea is cheese, crackers, and fresh fruit. You can also buy milk in a box (like a juice box). The best we have found is Horizon. It is organic and the kids really like the flavor. I hope this helps! Good luck!
-A.

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A.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I 2nd the Thermos suggestion. I have to start making lunches for my preschooler this year as well, and am planning to invest in one of those. I have been making lunches off and on for my oldest for the last couple years (we trade off between the cafeteria and 'cold lunch'), but he's soooo easy. He'd be happy with a meat and cheese sandwich EVERY day. I just got an email from my son's preschool with ideas, as well as this link:

http://secure.laptoplunches.com/AMAZING/index.asp

It's kind of pricey, but I do like the product ideas. Some ideas his school suggested (wish I could post the entire document):

chicken salad
hard boiled eggs (I take the shell off before sending)
shrimp
tuna salad
sliced veggies (cucumber, avocado if they'll eat it)
hummus - regular or flavored (great for dipping the veggies in, or make a sandwich out of it)
nut butters (almond is tasty - but check for school rules on allergies)
soft/regular cheeses w/crackers
beans (refried or black), steamed rice
soups, stews
breakfast for lunch (scrambled egg, potatoes, etc.)
fresh or dried fruit (berries are tasty and not something you might think of)
Z-bars (kid version of Clif Bars - I use these when I'm desperate - e.g. no food in the house - because they are filling)

If they have access to a microwave for either child, use it to your advantage. I have been known to pack a corn dog (although not particularly healthy ;) or a hot pocket or frozen burrito.

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S.F.

answers from Denver on

Making lunches is such a pain, isn''t it? I was spoiled by my son's first day care because they provided all the meals. But his new place requires we pack them. Anyway...I've found that mini-packages of cheese, whole-wheat crackers, and fruit work best. Whole Foods has some now and they are going to add more soon. Tip: Use a permanent marker to quickly label everything so your daughters' food doesn't get mixed up with other kids' food. Lunchtime in a day care center is chaos and kids often get up from their seats, only to have the seat and food taken by another kid. The caregivers are so busy that they often don't notice unless the food packages have your kids' names on them.

B.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I think the best thing you can do is pack the foods your daughter is used to eating. She will be going through enough changes, don't change her diet right now, too. If she likes sandwiches, great! They're easy to pack and quick to prepare. If she likes berries and yogurt, good! Just be sure to pack it with an ice pack. Carrot sticks and ranch dressing, apples wedges and yogurt dip, even a nutritious trail mix and a banana can make a great lunch. Be creative, but take cues from your daughter. What did she want for lunch today?

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