Titus 2 Christian HomeKeeper ™

My children attend a small private Christian school.  It’s an awesome school, but they do not provide hot lunch service, so my children take their lunches every day.  Milk is provided, but no way to heat lunches - so a little creativity is in order to offer the children healthy, balanced meals, without resorting to sandwiches every single day.

Here’s a few items that I believe are must-haves for school lunches on the go (by the way, these tips work well also for those of you who homeschool and are on the go to a field trip, music lesson or whatever):

• Lunch bags:  There are many lunch bag options from the literal brown paper lunch (which now also comes in white! ), to reusable lunch bags in a variety of choices.  We have opted for an insulated bag that’s reusable.  I have the children buy their milk at school, even though a thermos thingy came with their lunch bag.  It’s only a quarter for them to buy milk - so I opted for that. 
• Gladware:  Now repeat after me:  Gladware is our friend!  I love Gladware!  It’s inexpensive and reusable.  So if the children should happen to forget and throw away the Gladware, there’s no need to take it out of their inheritance.  ;)  Seriously, it’s worth getting some Gladware.  I use Gladware to send salads, canned fruit, or just about anything.  I do use resealable sandwich bags for sandwiches, but Gladware would work for this too.
• Cold Pack:  You will also need something to keep cold food cold and other food from spoiling.  I buy cold packs you stick in the freezer, then pop in the lunch bag and you’re good to go.
• Utensils:  plastic flatware is my preferred choice.  I found some in cute colors and animal shapes and send those.  I’ve lost one too many forks and spoons from my regular set to consider that an option for us.  Another option is to buy an inexpensive flatware set at The Dollar Store or Dollar General or something.

What are the kids eating?

Sandwiches are an obvious choice.  Anything from the traditional peanut butter and jelly to lunchmeat sandwiches works well.  My husband tells me stories of having to eat peanut butter and jelly every single day his entire 9 years in private school as a child.  So I took that as a hint that variety in lunch choices is in order. 

Some things I give my children for lunches are:

• Sandwiches of all types.  I always keep a cold pack in their lunch bag, so there is no spoiling
• Leftovers.  I will place them in a Gladware container, heat them up before I put them in the lunch bag with the cold pack.  Yes, the cold pack does cool it down, but it’s usually about room temp when lunch time arrives and perfect for my kiddos to eat, without any spoiling happening.
• Fruit.  My children love fruit.  I’ll send whole apples, bananas, or canned fruit in Gladware.  I have bought those individual cups of fruit from Aldi’s, a slightly more expensive option, but a convenient one.
• Veggies.  My kiddos LOVE those baby carrots.  I’ll send those quite often.  Broccoli flowerettes, cauliflower and salad are also good choices.
• Napkin and flatware.  Don’t forget these important tools.
• Drink.  If your school doesn’t offer milk, then send some in a thermos.  Or send a juice box, or bottle of water.
• A Note from Mom:  this is a special thing I love to do for my children.  I’ll leave a note just for them.  I often put a scripture on it.  Something to let them know I’m thinking of them.

What you will not find in my children’s lunchbox:  dessert.  It’s just not needed.  They don’t need the extra sugar.  If you want to give your child a sugary treat, save it for an after school snack.  Or opt for popcorn or graham crackers.

So there you have it - the very basic and simple solutions for school lunches.