Simple Back-to-School Lunch Ideas

It's that time of the year again! Throughout our community, the topic of conversation among friends and fellow parents is the start of the new school year. While we haven't seen any school buses yet, by this time next week, they will be rolling through our neighborhood, and parents and children alike will be waiting at the stops each morning. Though we homeschool and our school day may look different from some, I know how challenging it can be to keep everyone on schedule while ensuring each child is provided with a healthy and nourishing lunch. This week, I'm sharing some simple back-to-school lunch ideas I hope you find helpful!

Tips to Consider When Packing Lunches for Work or School

A few years ago, in a newsletter post, one of our senior contributing team members shared these wonderful tips to keep in mind when packing lunches. I loved them so much and found them to be such a help that I thought I would share them with you again. Invite your children to assist you in packing their lunches. This is the best way for them to learn how to do so as well as create a balanced and nutritious meal. Make it a part of their routine each night after they eat dinner and assist with clean up. It is a wonderful way to help instill a sense of responsibility while also allowing them the freedom to choose what they like!

Choose the same meal for each day of the week. This will save you time and keep the grocery budget reasonable.

Another idea that I have found helpful is to invite your child to pick a theme each week. This makes it fun and gives him or her the opportunity to be an integral part of the process.

Choose a baked item or special treat to include in the lunches one day of the week (or as often as you'd like!) My girls love baking, so I could see these Zucchini Muffins being a big hit!

5 Simple and Easy Lunch Ideas

I hope these five simple school lunch ideas will help inspire your back-to-school routines! We wish you a wonderful start to the new school year! For more back-to-school snack and lunch ideas from Lentil Loving Family, click here. Happy Lunch Packing!

photo credit: Lentil Loving Family

1. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a must-try. It’s quick to make and adds the perfect elevated twist to the classic comfort dish we all love!

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!

2. This past week, Nadia shared three nutrient-packed recipes created with love for those experiencing taste changes from cancer treatments. Each dish is designed to be gentle, flavorful, and healing, the kind of meal you can bring to someone as both food and comfort. 

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!

3. Whether you’re hoping to uplift a friend, comfort a loved one, or simply speak some truth over yourself, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite words to inspire, motivate, and remind you (or someone you love) that you’re not alone!

4. Has anyone else noticed Costco no longer carries their jumbo double chocolate chip muffins? They were Nadia’s family's absolute favorite, so she went on a mission to track down the best copycat recipe! 

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!

5. Who doesn't appreciate a note that reminds them of how special and loved they are? Here are a few printables and notes we’ve recently been pinning on Pinterest!

Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!

Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals

Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes

Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!

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