To pack, or not to pack? That is the school lunch question

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the poor quality of school lunches—I know it’s come up in our own family too. Our son, a junior in high school, decided to start taking his own lunch this year. Now this is news! For a kid who is busy with friends, driving, homework, working two part-time jobs—this is not a small daily feat. It sure would be easier just to fly off to school each day and know that a hot, healthy cafeteria lunch would be coming mid-day. But the key word there is healthy. Seems the selection has degraded each year and if it’s not chicken popcorn, chicken tenders or chicken patties, it’s slim pickins: pizza, slushies, and soft pretzels.

So what’s a kid to do?  Just suck it up and eat crap? As parents, what can we do? With Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and the Let’s Move! Program heralded by Michelle Obama folks have begun to take a much-needed closer look at kids’ lunch choices. Everyday I hear from more and more parents and kids who are deciding that packing a lunch is the better way to go. Our son decided to pack—and his resolution has actually held through the school year so far. Since Jamie Oliver isn't cooking healthier food at our district and I’m not ready to spearhead a movement to improve our local lunches (not yet, anyway), my job is to make sure there are smart edible choices available. I'm going to do something that EVERY parent in every house can do: have healthy food choices on hand and set a good example. Eat a good breakfast. Provide intelligent options. Make time (even if it's just 20 minutes!) to pull together a homecooked meal at the end of the day ... most of the time.

Then, really, it’s up to the kids: S/he packs that lunch and remembers to take it each day. It’s worked out surprisingly well. The only thing that isn’t so great is that the school microwave doesn’t work—and they haven’t repaired it yet (not enough kids using it?!), so his beginning plan of taking a container of leftovers hasn’t worked like we originally thought. You know: chili with rice, chicken with veggie stir-fry, spaghetti. They’re just not as good when eaten cold (and he’s tried it that way, believe me). But if your kids have access to a working microwave, leftovers can be an A-1 choice.

So, in the interest of helping you (and your kids!) make lunch from what’s on hand, here’s a listing of some ideas to help out. Feel free to cut this out and post it on your fridge. It’s especially good for bleary mornings when you and the kids are pulling a blank. We’ve also found it especially effective to prepare sandwiches and pack lunch containers the evening before (or right after dinner).

How to Pack a Lunch with What's on Hand

1. First, decide on the lean protein you want to use:

• Sliced turkey, ham, chicken, or roast beef
• Eggs – hard boiled for egg salad or as a salad topper, pan-fried for a sandwich
• Tuna, salmon or chicken (canned or leftover works great)
• Veggie burgers or meat analogs (Boca, Morningstar burgers)
• Tofu – baked or broiled slices served in a sandwich or wrap: Tofu Sandwich Salad
• Low-fat cheese or cottage cheese
• Nut butters or spreads: peanut, almond, soynut, cream cheese, etc.
• Beans – salad toppers or starters for chili (great in a small thermos)

2. Next, decide what form to have it in:

• Wrap – soft tortilla
• Pita pocket
• Sandwich – bread or rolls
• Gluten-free wrap – see this Lettuce Wraps recipe
• Salad topped with protein
• Soup (in a thermos) with sandwich or salad
• Leftovers for a heat-n-eat option (for those with access to thermos or working microwave)
  

3. Add some extras to jazz it up:

• Tuck in veggies where possible: shredded or leaf lettuce, tomato or cucumber slices
• Baked chips, pretzels or corn chips
• Baby carrots
• Celery with salt or peanut butter
• Broccoli with ranch dip
• Small side salad with dressing
• Crackers with nut butter or hummus
• Granola bar
• Trail mix (nuts, raisins)
• Fruit: apple, banana, orange or other fave
• Frozen low-fat yogurt (will help keep food cool and will thaw by lunch time)

Once-in-awhile treats (great to pre-bake and then pack):

• Mini frozen pizzas
• Frozen burritos
• Sweet treat: a cookie or crispy rice treat

There you have it -- the basic process of packing a lunch on hand from my brain to yours.  :)  Pack your selections in reusable containers or ziploc baggies or plastic wrap and you're set.

So what say you? Do you have other good kid-friendly lunch packing ideas? Please do share!