Since we have lots of kids, we need lots of food...and organization.
I admit, most times the first week, I found a sandwich and a bunch of crackers and chips in there. We "edited" and coached on adding some fruit, dairy, etc. to the bag.
I figured I would share how we organize our lunch routines and why we do it this way.
1. We pack our own snack packs: We do this, because it's cheaper. Period. I feel like I'm signing off their college tuition when I price out pre-packaged chips, etc. Wow! Buy a big bag, and split it up into snack baggies. It sounds time consuming, but it really only takes me about 3-5 minutes for the week's worth.
2. We separate them by snacks, fruits, and "treats". This helps them grab from one section at a time and not load up on one.
3. If you have the option of a refrigerator door (you can just use a section or regular inside drawer if not-it works too), use a section of that for them to "grab and go" some healthy options.
4. Here's some lunch options I have used: baby carrots, apple slices, string cheese, greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, fruit cups in juice (not syrup), pudding cups, granola bars, peanuts, triscuits, pretzels, goldfish, fresh green beans, small peanut butter cups with fruit/pretzels, and cottage cheese cups. In addition to the "add-ons"-they can make themselves sandwiches, grab mac n' cheese cups, leftovers, turkey wraps, soups, etc.
Picture 1: pantry
Picture 2: Refrigerator
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