How many of us have started out the school year with energized intentions of sending a healthy & nutritious lunch that will be the envy of every Pinterester?  Then a week goes by, our routines get hectic, and the fun (if there really ever was any) runs out.  Honestly, not everyone has time to create animal shapes and cucumber boats laden with home-grown flax and floating in freshly squeezed goat milk. 

That being said, it is important that we’re feeding our kids (and most importantly their brains) to the best of our ability for the 4-8 hours that they’re away from home.  I always maintain that being prepared is half the battle.  Consider the following tips before you throw in the towel to sugar-laden pink yoghurts and crisps flavoured with MSG and saccharine:

1.  Get Kids Involved. Okay, I know I just said we were going to make this simple and this definitely does NOT fall under that category. But even a little involvement places ownership; and ownership helps ensure that the healthy eats will indeed be eaten.  Depending on age, here is a list of ways little ones (or big) can help:

- Making choices at the grocery store (The key is to give an approved list ahead of time, have ALL the choices healthy; then let them pick so they think they’re getting what they want—and so are you!)

- Helping wash/cut/pack veggie sticks & fruit slices (can do 2-4 days ahead depending on the fruit or veg)

- Emptying their lunch box when they get home from school.

- Packing pre-made lunches in the morning

- Choosing a healthy side (snack) – you prepare the main

- In charge of lunch, From Start to Finish

2.  Packaging. In lieu of Barbie Yogurt, maybe let your little one pick out a few quality reusable containers in a favorite color. Use these for snack mix, yogurt, fruit/veggie slices, sandwiches, etc. It will save money in the long run, as pre-packaged snacks are super expensive. So even though high-quality, healthy options seem more expensive, once you break them down you’ll see they’re often cheaper than the rubbish in the Disney Princess theme.

3.  Have a Back-Up Plan. As in: Really! Have one! Keep a few things on hand ALWAYS for those days (usually mornings after sleepless nights) when you didn’t have time to prepare lunches.  Example: whole wheat crackers & cheese, sliced apple & celery with peanut butter OR tuna & mayo on a roll, peanuts & cranberries, frozen apple sauce. Always have something you can throw together at the last minute—stuff you can keep in the pantry or long-life items in the fridge.

4.  Make Lunch at Supper & have Supper for Lunch. When you’re chopping veggies for a fresh garden salad at supper, keep aside some veggie slices for lunch the next day.  If you’re making baked chicken for supper, think ahead for possible left over chicken either for chicken-mayo sandwich, etc. The more you can get done the night before, the happier you’ll be in the morning.

5. Make a Calendar. ONE TIME. I know, I know, it’s painful! But it only takes one time and then you have it. I’ve included a sample calendar, but a custom-made one that suits your child’s needs and likes is best. Under it, make a list of items to always have on hand (see tip #3). The calendar is not the law, just there in case you need it.

You don’t need to be super creative or grown your own organic garden to be considered a master of the school lunch.  A few simple steps and voila’ ….it becomes a pretty simple daily routine.