photo credit: Lentil Loving Family
It’s that time of the year when we slip back into our routines and packing lunches becomes part of life again. Maybe you are packing for yourself, your family, or you’re helping a friend who needs lunch for herself or her children. Here are some simple, but delightful combinations to get the new school year started off right!
5 Simple and Easy Lunch Ideas
1. Hummus
Naan dippers, pita, or flatbread cut to size
Cut carrots
Sliced cucumber
String cheese
2. Cheese Quesadilla
Chips and salsa
Apples
Red pepper slices
3. Chicken nuggets (fun dinosaur gluten-free version!)
Sliced grapes
Ranch or honey mustard sauce
Pretzel bites
4. Beef stick
Apple slices
Sliced cheese
Crackers
5. PB&J (or Sunbutter if there is a nut allergy)
Baby Carrots
These containers make packing items like salsa and hummus really easy! I always keep them on hand. These cool packs were another favorite of mine!
My daughter loves her insulated lunch box from Scout and has used it for several years. It holds a lot (even her water), is not bulky, and can even go through the washer. This bag would be a thoughtful gift for a friend who takes snacks to chemotherapy treatments.
Tips to Consider When Packing Lunches for Work or School (or a Friend)
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!)
For more back-to-school snack and lunch ideas from Lentil Loving Family, click here.
Happy Packing!
Warmly,
Adina
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One of the greatest joys of Take Them A Meal has been connecting with caring people from all across the country. Beginning today, you'll see a new community feature within our newsletters where you can share ideas, ask questions, and encourage one another. No separate sign-up is needed—simply click through from the newsletter and join the conversation! ~Adina
In Case You Missed It
If you’re looking for a sweet back-to-school gift, Nadia put together these adorable snack bags! They’re such a fun little treat to help make the first day extra special.
Don’t have instagram? Click here to see her assemble the snack bags!
Check out how Fancy Panz can dress up a basic foil pan and make taking someone a meal feel extra special! It keeps the pan secure, makes it easy to carry and gives your meal a prettier presentation.
Don’t have instagram? Click here to learn more!
Need a little encouragement today? 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!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here to view all of the encouraging words we’ve shared!
An inexpensive way to dress up a meal is to use baskets or tea towels to carry items. Kelli recently made four loaves of sourdough bread and took three of them to my family and neighbors. See how she packaged them using a kitchen towel!
Whether it's her first or her fifteenth child, every mom needs to take care of herself while she cares for her new little one. Here are some great ideas for taking meals, snacks, gifts, and/or encouragement to a mom of a new little one.
