Hi everyone! My 2 oldest sons started back at school recently and for the first time since they started school, they've had to take lunches to school. We weren't qualified for free lunches this year. The only thing I've been making them daily is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a bag of chips a juice box and some piece of fruit (apple, banana, orange, etc.). I can't seem to think of anything else that I can make a couple of picky boys to eat that doesn't take refrigeration. When they get to school, their lunches go in a basket on a desk by the door or they keep them in their backpacks. If anyone can think of some recipes that I can try out, I'd greatly appreciate it! At least until I can afford to get them some lunchboxes/lunchbags or coolers. Thanks so much. Blessings, B.
Thank you everyone for the responses! I am definitely going to have to get the boys a lunch bag/pail with an ice pack or something to keep it cool. There were some great ideas for healthy, inexpensive lunches.
Blessings,
B. & family
Hi B.,
Why cant you just put a small cold pack in there lunch so you can have more choices. If I didnt do that myself my daughter wouldn't be able to eat, as she likes, coldcuts and cheese sandwiches, yogurts as well and fresh fruit. As well as a cool juice or milk. They sell the cold packs everywhere and you dont have to get a huge one.
Hello. Do you think it's possible for you to go buy Walgreens or Walmart and get those plastic things you can put in the freezer? They are gel or you fill with water. They are fairly cheap and will help keep the lunch cooker. They are in the section with coolers/fans etc.
Kids love a variety. I would put stuff like granola, buttered spiral noodles (if you can keep the lunch semi cool), noodles and tomato sauce, banana chips, individual string cheese sticks,pita bread with cheese,applesauce cups,crackers (lots of whole grain ones out there) and cheese, and mini bagel have a few variety bags also.
Me too, always! A thermos will help. About the only thing I know my son will consume during the day is a latte. Now that he's 13, I let him have it caffeinated, but decaf is a healthier option. Or you could use chai tea. Mix it nice and strong with powdered milk (no dilution).
A container of nuts is always good. Dried fruit (papaya, pineapple, or even good old raisins). Crackers instead of bread.
My daughter likes spices and lemon juice, so I can steam and marinate vegetables, and there's enough acid (and yes, sometimes salt) so that with the strong AC they don't spoil before lunch.
E.
Hi there, I went thru the pbandj ringer last year. To change up my sons lunch, i got him a thermos, not for soup, but for chicken nuggets and fish sticks! If you make them right before school they stay warm enough.(and do they really care if they are a little cool?). Also he seems to like ham and cheese roll ups, especially if you anchor them with skinny pretzel rods! Also, i gave up the juice boxes, bought a sports bottle and send him with V8 fusion, because it has veggies juice in it! Because you know the carrots are the last thing they eat!! Good luck!
