August 11, 2023
Get back-to-school lunch ready with these simple but effective tips ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process when packing lunch boxes!
Thinking and packing in compartments makes it easy to create a balanced lunchbox. It also helps separate food from touching, preventing any sogginess, or leaks. Look for one that is sturdy, leak-proof and easy to open and close for your kids.
Wash, cut, and prep fruits and veggies ahead of time and create an accessible lunch-making station. Not only does this save you time in the morning, but your kids can get involved and help make lunch too. Prepping yogurt parfaits, fruit cups, and overnight oats are also great ideas.
From left to right:
Peanut butter and Jam ‘uncrustables’.
Greek yogurt parfait.
Salmon furikake onigiri.
Boxed Mac n’ cheese upgraded with tuna (optional) peas and corn.
DIY ‘lunchables’ – Layer cheese, turkey slices, and crackers.
Chicken and cheddar pita roll-ups.
DIY ‘uncrustables’ are so easy to make in a batch and will save you time in the morning. Just spread peanut butter and jam on soft whole-wheat bread. Seal with a sandwich sealer and freeze! Pull one out in the morning and they thaw just in time for lunch.
You can make lunch boxes creative and fun for your little ones without making it complicated. Use a fruit and vegetable cutter to cut out a fun shape, or use a knife to create a zigzag pattern on kiwis and blueberries. Crinkle cutters can transform your carrots and cucumber into something more fun! Add a cute food pick and a funny or sweet lunchbox note for an added touch.
Combine 1 cup of cooked sushi rice with 1 tsp of sesame oil. Sprinkle the desired amount of furikake seasoning on top and mix. Set aside. Take canned salmon and mix with 1 tbsp of kewpie mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a triangle mold and scoop the rice mixture in halfway. Then add a layer of the salmon mixture. Top with another layer of rice and use the lid to press down. Once you take the rice out of the mold, use a small rectangular piece of nori and fold it over the bottom. That’s it! You can also pan-fry these afterwards and brush on some soy sauce as well.
Lunchbox tip: Pack orange slices with apple slices to prevent apples from browning!
Jane Nicholson is a mom of two! She is also a cookbook author, blogger, food and lifestyle photographer and creator of Food Kids Love. An accessible and non-judgmental space that provides everyday inspiration for kid-friendly snacks, lunchboxes, and meals.
Follow her on Instagram! @food.kids.love.
Pre-order her cookbook full of lunch, snack, and meal inspiration including recipes with an Asian twist! Coming out in the fall!
Feeling nervous about first day of school? Read our article about “Getting You and Your Kids Excited for Childcare“!
