There is nothing more exciting than the start of a new school year—especially when you’re off to kindergarten! Annabelle is most enthusiastic about the big cafeteria at her new school and the fact she gets to pick where she sits with her friends. To ensure our busy mornings before school run smoothly, I’m planning out what we need to buy ahead of time for Annabelle’s school lunch each day. She needs a healthy, well-balanced lunch to keep her energized for learning and having fun. If you’re a busy parent with a child in school, here is how to ensure your child has a healthy and filling lunch each day.
Make a shopping list ahead of time featuring the foods your child loves.
I shop over the weekend and stock the cabinets and fridge. Annabelle doesn’t always want to eat the same thing every day, so we have a variety of snacks and lunch items. We find her favorite at Stop&Shop!
Make sure you pack your child a full lunch box to ensure he or she is well-fed at lunchtime. Wondering what to put inside?
Well-Balanced Lunch for Your Child Suggestions:
Fruit: fresh-cut fruit, dried fruit, Mott’s Applesauce Pouch Pals
Vegetables: carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli
Meat: turkey, chicken nuggets, ham
Protein: hummus, nut butter, hardboiled egg
Dairy: cheese cubes, cheese stick, yogurt, milk
Starch: crackers, veggie chips, popcorn, bread
A must-have item in Annabelle’s lunch box is a Mott’s Applesauce Pouch Pal. Annabelle loves Mott’s Applesauce Pouch Pals because they are tasty, sweet like a treat, and so easy to eat. With a screw top lid, the applesauce can be enjoyed right from the pouch without a utensil.
To save time, prepare the food for lunches ahead of time.
Pre-wash and cut any fresh fruit or veggies and store in airtight containers. Separate snacks into reusable snack bags, one for every day of the week, and store away until needed. Usually I pack Annabelle’s lunch box the night before school but if I forget, it’s easy to assemble everything if it’s all prepared ahead of time.
Check out another well-balanced meal prep post here!
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