Seeking Advice Regarding Meal Planning

I substitute teach in the Plano ISD. There is no way any child is allowed to use a microwave at the school where I sub.

You can get a print out of the schedule of meals for the year, usually from the home page of your school or the first week of school. You can plan out whay she likes/dislikes on certain days.

The lunches are said to be balanced but since it is a cafeteria line, a lot of kids just go through and pick their favorite items, leaving out the some of the healthy items.

A lot of children where I teach have specific days when they buy lunch, such as chicken nugget day, pizza day, etc depending on their likes.

I would suggest a good thermos. MANY kids bring soup, pasta, spagettios, etc to school. It stays warm for them.

You can change up her lunch routine with a little bit of each option.

Best wishes....They grow up SO fast.

As far as I know there are no public schools that will allow the elementary students at least to heat up their food. Now - you can always get a thermos (@ $16 at Target or Wal Mart) and that will keep soup, leftovers, etc hot or cold. But you can always call the school she will be going to and check about heating up food. Is there a reason you don't want her to eat the cafeteria food ? I know my son's school has pretty good lunches - always 2 vegetables and/or fruit and milk with the meat dish. He seems to like it and eats better than what I could pack. Just a thought.

I can tell you that the lunches at school are not really that healthy(although the school district says they are). I've been stunned by the junk my kids have eaten at school on their $2.00 lunch tray. They also pick off their tray what they want to eat(not a balanced meal by far). I'd definitely invest in a thermos. You heat it in the morning and it's still good to go by lunch.