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School Lunch and Snack Rotation

Wow! Where did summer go??? It sounds so cliché, but I truly believe that the months go faster with children around. There were moments this summer that I just wanted time to freeze so I could soak it in even more. Alas though time moves on and to be honest, there is something quite refreshing about a season change and a move back into more routine.

This is my first year with “school aged” children. Some moments I feel okay and others I have uncontrolled tears running down my face. There is so much emotional attachment to the move into this next phase of life for them and mom-hood for me.

One of the practical things that has been on my mind all summer is making snacks and lunches. My boys are fairly big eaters and I want to make sure that they have enough food, but also that it is balanced and fairly easy to eat as I know that they will not have a lot of time. I made a 10 day lunch cycle to help me in the day-to-day rush so that I do not have to think too hard about what to make. I will be using the Planet Box lunch boxes for most lunches and the Contigo Thermoses for any portions that I want to keep exceptionally warm or cold. Within the meal plan there is room for choice on some days and I also know that I may send leftovers at times. In addition, if my children as for a particular fruit or vegetable, I plan to just add that in to what I am already making so that they know I value their contribution, but I am also keeping up with offering variety and not just favourite foods….this is a hard balance with young children I am finding.

So, without delay, here is the meal plan that I will be using. It is nut free and for us, will be dairy free as well; however, I have included options with dairy as you may wish to send that instead. Please feel free to add other ideas for meals that have worked for your children in the comments section here or on my IG feed (@mealsformeandmyminis). We are all in this together mamas and I want to learn from you too!!!

Monday

Lunch: Whole grain wrap or ½ bagel with nitrate free turkey or chicken and cheese of choice (Daiya, feta, goat, Swiss, Havarti, Cheddar, etc.) with Cucumber slices and hummus or guacamole, and Grapes

Snack 1: Aussie bite

Snack 2: Applesauce pouch

Tuesday

Lunch: Manicotti with Peas and Diced cantaloupe

Snack 1: Almonds and raisins

Snack 2: Apple slices

Wednesday

Lunch: Sweet potato and Beet crackers with Roasted chickpeas, soy nuts, raisins, and dried blueberries mixed together, and Peppers and hummus or guacamole

Snack 1: Yogurt in a pouch

Snack 2: Pomegranate seeds

Thursday

Lunch: Homemade mac and cheese with Roasted sweet potato cubes and Watermelon chunks

Snack 1: Homemade smoothie pouch

Snack 2: Whole grain fig bar

Friday

Lunch: Homemade muffin with Yogurt, Apple slices, and Baby carrots and hummus

Snack 1: Homemade nut free trail mix

Snack 2: Mango chunks

Monday

Lunch: Whole grain wrap or ½ bagel with nitrate free turkey or chicken and cheese of choice (Daiya, feta, goat, Swiss, Havarti, Cheddar, etc.) with Cucumber slices and hummus or guacamole and Strawberries

Snack 1: Flavoured roasted soy nuts

Snack 2: Pretzel and popcorn mix

Tuesday

Lunch: Tuna salad with whole grain pita triangles or crackers and Peppers with hummus or guacamole

Snack 1: Banana

Snack 2: Sliced peppers

Wednesday

Lunch: Meatballs, rice, and corn with Pomegranate seeds

Snack 1: Grapes

Snack 2: Einstein bite

Thursday

Lunch: Whole grain crackers, Hard-boiled egg and/or rolled nitrate free lunch meat and/or cheese chunks with Carrots and hummus, and Blueberries

Snack 1: Whole grain fig bar

Snack 2: Roasted chickpeas

Friday

Lunch: Breakfast pita cut into quarters with Yogurt, Mandarin oranges (already peeled and sectioned), and Snap peas with hummus

Snack 1: Watermelon chunks

Snack 2: Quinoa cookie (recipe coming soon!)

I also plan to send water to drink. I hope that you find this helpful.

Until next time….stay healthy!

 

 

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