Here’s yet another “round up” of my kids’ school lunches that I routinely share on Facebook. In case you are new here these links might help set the stage for you:
- Check out the full School Lunch Roundup Series
- Our favorite school lunch supplies including the divided Ziploc container and what lunchbag we fit all of this into.
- Everything you could ever want to know about the pictured, brightly-colored smoothie/freezie pop molds.
- Why we don’t track protein or worry about getting “enough.”
- Our full recipe index where you can find most (but not necessarily all) recipes pictured below.
Sponsor Shoutout: The Fresh 20 Meal Planning Service
Before we dive into the pictures though I want to make sure you know about our meal planning sponsor…The Fresh 20! Through their service you’ll receive 5 unprocessed dinner recipes each week that can be made from only 20 fresh ingredients (organized shopping list included). The cost is $5/month and you can choose from their Classic, Vegetarian, or Gluten-Free plan. If you are struggling to get a wholesome dinner on the table every night why not let someone else do all the planning for you?
School Lunch Roundup Photos
Interview with Robyn O’Brien, Part II (Plus a Book Giveaway!)
I have a 9 and almost 13 year old boy. They both have symptoms of hypoglycemia/adhd/sensory, etc not sure what else. I am trying to make healthy lunches for school. I do ok on certain foods but they are picky at times. I can’t seem to find other alternatives besides sandwiches every day. I can’t find a thermos for soups or milk to stay hot or cold. They don’t eat till after 12pm. I have to keep snacks in the nurse’s office for them to have in case they start feeling sick. I don’t have a lot of time to make a bunch of food. How do you keep the frozen smoothie pop from melting? Thanks for the help.
Hi Laura,
I use the thermos that they show for my son. He also eats after 12 and I make sure I make the food pipping hot and put it right in the container and seal it immediately. He always says that when he opens it later in the day it is still hot.
Hi Laura. In addition to Julia’s comments, the smoothie pops do melt and become the consistency of a yogurt tube…sometimes a little more icy. How you pack it is key. Take a look in the post as to how Lisa wedges it in the container. ~Amy
Hey Laura,
I know it can be tricky to get kids to eat especially if they have their ‘love’ food (you mentioned sandwiches). My advice is to let them have sandwiches for most lunches, but make them healthier by skipping processed cold cuts, etc. I like to make some extra chicken or whatever meat I’m cooking and just thinly slice that for sandwich meats- the cheese is your choice- then you can add some other veggies in there and make sure the bread is whole grain.
If you’re going with a PB&J you can switch up the type of nut/seed butters for variety and go for the least processed kinds (you can even make em at home in the processor!). This helps to avoid extra sugars and help w your kids’hypoglycemia concerns. Also, adding some cinnamon to their sandwiches, yogurts, etc is great because that keeps sugar from being absorbed into the bloodstream, so if theyre having a healthy sugar but it’s a bit much you can curve these unwanted effects (insulin spikes and such).
I say let them have ‘healthy sandwiches’ because you can also incorporate good side ‘dishes’ that they enjoy to help keep the meal well-rounded. Have them help you make snacks for the next day and they’ll be much more excited to take part in eating something they helped plan/create.
Best of luck my dear! :)
Hi – Who made the plastic “bento”-like container? Ziploc? Thanks!
Hi Joy. Yes, they are a Ziploc product. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
My 4 1/2 yr old daughter is in daycare all day, from 9am – 6pm. I send her to “school” with lunch and snacks for two afternoon snack times. Til now, her snacks have been Snack 1: yogurt with wheat germ and fruit, and then Snack 2: a snack bar or homemade muffin. I see in your girls’ lunches you often serve them a muffin and/or yogurt. I would like to copy some of your lunches for my daughter but don’t necessarily want to give her two servings of yogurt or two muffins in a day. How would you recommend I divvy things up?
Hello Tracy. Lisa gives the girls a pretty big variety of lunches. Have you taken a look at the other roundup pages: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/04/school-lunch-roundup-ii/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/05/29/school-lunch-roundup-iv-picnics-camps-road-trips-pool/? There are so many combination possibilities. Just have fun with it! And here is a super healthy snack list: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/31/85-snacks-for-kids-and-adults/. Hope that helps ~Amy
I ordered the regular sized silicone muffin cups, but am disappointed that they don’t reach the top of the ziploc container when I have the lid on. I am afraid everything will just spill out. Do you know if the jumbo size reach the lid so that it would keep the items from spilling out of the muffin cup during the day?
Hi Tarah. The jumbo size ones do go all the way to the lid. ~Amy
Where can I get the smoothie pop thing? :-)
Hi Julie. You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
I love your healthy food and I want my Mom to make me lunches like that. Ethan-age 9
These are amazing ideas, thank you so much for taking the time to share! I just have one question – I have two boys who are very big for their ages and eat A LOT. As it is now, I don’t feed them unhealthy food and they eat lots of fruits and veggies. I look at these lunches and although fabulous, they would be more of a snack for my kids. Do you have any suggestions for meals a little heartier? To keep their bellies full longer? Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Natalie. I don’t think you need to change the contents so much but maybe up the portion sizes. :) ~Amy
What ideas do you have for lunches that aren’t refrigerated at school?? Her lunch box is insulated but I still worry about dairy and some meat products. What do you recommend?
Hello India. We are not able to refrigerate our school lunches, either. Lisa just uses ample ice packs as do I. They can be found here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
I am so happy to find your blog/website. I am excited to try out your recipes and get my family eating healthy. Thank You for taking the time to do this for others. :)
Hi! I love this blog! Y’all have inspired me and my husband to eat a real food diet, which we do at least 80% of the time. I have a question about deli meat: I read your post a while back about why you don’t eat deli meat, and then recently I’ve seen you posting Applegate ham in school lunches. Have you changed your mind or is this one special? I’m curious because it’s such a convenient meat. And I don’t think our grocery stores around here carry that brand. Any other brands you suggest? What about Boars Head? Thanks!
Jocelyn
Hi Jocelyn. Lisa only occasionally gives the Applegate Farm deli meat to the girls. It is usually available in mainstream grocery stores, too. If not, you should be able to request that they stock it. ~Amy
is it possible to get the recipe for the veggie corn chowder? I did not see it on the recipe index.
Thank you…and I am so glad my friend told me about this site, it is wonderful :-)
Hi Clare. That may be one of the recipes Lisa has reserved for her book which will be out in January. :) ~Amy
Do you know if boars head deli meat from the deli is a good choice of sandwich meat to buy?
Hi Christy. On the occasion that Lisa buys deli meat, and that is not very often, it is organic and without added nitrates like Applegate Farms brand. Those are the criteria that I would first look for when choosing. ~Amy
Hi, I love those silicone pop containers. Where can I get them? I love your idea’s for lunches. I homeschool and these lunches look like something my daughter will eat. Thanks, oh and do you have recipes for the smoothie’s?
Hi Deborah. Here you go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/09/09/recipe-make-ahead-smoothie-2-ways/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/17/recipe-tasty-smoothies/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/18/recipe-peanut-butter-banana-smoothie/. Enjoy. ~Amy
I love these lunch ideas, great pictures! Where can I buy the Santa/ bee / butterfly toppers, they look so cute.Thanks.
Hi there. You can find many of Lisa’s favorite lunch supplies here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
How do you pack a lunch for a 16 year old athlete? Is there a lunch box big enough? He is needing to eat lunch, a snack before practice and something after football practice.
I think he is sick of sandwiches.
Hi Amy. Pack foods you know that he will eat and will sustain him through his day. There are so many ways to vary the kinds of sandwiches you pack and a hearty soup can go a long, long way. Trail mix is a great pre-practice snack with protein, fat, and carbs that will give him the energy to power through. An adult size insulated lunch bag or small insulated cooler should do the trick to keep it all in one place. These posts might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/27/sandwich-inspiration-and-my-view-on-lunch-meat/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/11/08/recipe-broccoli-cheese-soup/. :) ~Amy
These are awesome ideas, I will copy what I can. We live abroad at the moment (Kosovo) and we can’t get many things that you use – spelt is unknown, many fruits not available, I can’t get carrots reliably. Next year, I’ll start a vegetable garden so we can have a better supply situation. We can’t buy anything organic here but we try our best to eat as little processed food as possible. Not easy! Thanks for the great suggestions and I’m looking forward to your book!!
Curious about the link for Ziploc. I will have to order these since we live in a tiny rural community, but I kinda loathe Walmart. However, if y’all get an affiliate deal I will use the link.
If not I will source elsewhere. They’re such an awesome idea, and I also loathe plastic, but it sounds like these will work great to finally pack lunches me and the kids can be happy about.
Loving the whole blog!
Hi Tasi. Walmart is an affiliate link here but you have to do what you feel comfortable with. :) ~Amy
I buy cruchmaster multigrain crackers from costco.
Are these healthy?
Hi Vinni. Crackers are tough. We do use Crunchmaster sometimes but they do not technically fall within the rules due to their ingredient list. They are better than most, however. Mary’s Gone Crackers is another choice for a clean gluten free crackers. For whole wheat, Lisa usually used Ak Mak or whole wheat matzo. ~Amy
Hello! Do you have any suggestions for thermoses for warm drinks? I’ve searched everywhere however all the new thermos have the straws built in and I’m not so sure they would work for warm drinks for cold days at school. Trying for less messy too. I would attempt the hot/cold food containers but I think she’d spill it. Any suggestions appreciated! BTW, I LOVE your site!
I forgot to add my daughter is 6 and don’t want a babyish bottle for her! THanks!
Hi Amy. The Thermos brand with the straw is what we use. It works great for warm drinks, too and is not messy at all. My 10 year old has one that has no design on it. It is a little larger than those picture above. We found it at Target. ~Amy
Thanks! Ironically since posting my question and after all the searching I did on the internet I went to the Grocery Outlet and found a kids sized Contigo stainless steel thermos that works perfect. Its crazy that I posted the question after searching for over a month and then I find one! Thank you though in case I buy another I will get one of the Thermos ones!!
These lunches are fresh, healthy, and look delicious! Our daycare Academy has been incorporating real, organic food into our routine and I am glad to have found your blog! Thanks for sharing this great info!
Hello There (:
I am a stay at home of two children 4 1/2, 1 1/2 years of age and am currently 31 weeks pregnant I am overly tired these days and was wondering if you lunchbox recipe or any of you recipes can be pre made and stored for quick lunch or frozen for go to lunch or dinners for these last weeks and to help out when baby arrives?
Hi there Cynthia. Congratulations! These posts will help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/08/14/real-food-tips-10-recipes-to-freeze-for-school-lunches-which-makes-packing-a-breeze/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/19/real-food-tips-21-ways-to-plan-ahead-for-school-lunches/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/10/real-food-tips-4-super-quick-wholesome-dinners/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/28/recipe-easy-jambalaya/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/03/28/fried-rice-recipe-quick-and-easy/. Best of luck with that soon to be new baby! ~Amy
I’m so happy to have found these round ups! They are great inspiration for my lunches for work because I work out of someone’s home and even though she lets me use a stove to heat things up I always feel a little awkward about it. Lots of great options for cold lunches on here so thanks!
Every time I get in a lunch rut (or any other real food-related rut), I peek at your site and I always find inspiration. It’s obvious that cooking delicious, nourishing meals for your family is a labor of love for you. Thanks for sharing!
love the lunch ideas. where can I find the recipe for the veggie chowder? thanks
Hi there. That is not a recipe Lisa has shared yet. It might be reserved for her upcoming cookbook. :) ~Amy
This site inspired me to create a blog! I’m eleven years old and I decided to write a blog about school lunches from a kid’s perspective. It’s called “Lunch Bunch”! There isn’t too much yet, but I’d really like it if some people saw it. I have one question for the people at 100 days of real food: What is the kids favorite food? Thank you!
Wow, Ally!, pretty impressive. Good luck with your blog. Are you posing your “favorites” question to the readers? ~Amy
P.S. the address is http://www.lunchbunches.wordpress.com! :)
Did you cut your pita bread or did it come in triangles?
Hello Veronica. We cut our own triangles. :) ~Amy
Hi Amy!
This is Ally. That question is for everyone! I haven’t put it on my blog yet, but I probably will. Thank you!
When you pack waffles in the kids lunch do you just let them thaw and pack them cold or do you heat them in the morning?
Thanks! Love this website!
Hello Sarah. You can do it either way. My kids like them a little more crispy, so I throw them in the toaster before packing them up. :) ~Amy
Any ideas on how to change up these lunch ideas for high school kids who want to take their lunch because the school food is gross, but don’t have anywhere to keep the lunch cold, and also don’t want to look weird (and not cool) for bringing their lunches?
Hi Marybeth. Ask for your kids input on what might be considered more or less cool. It may be as simple as increasing the portion sizes, finding the right lunch carrier, and perhaps, no toothpicks with pinwheels or hearts. :) Also, the ice packs really do keep lunch items adequately cool (as in temp not “hipness”). Best of luck. ~Amy
How do you keep the smoothie pops frozen?
Hello Hannah. Lisa uses plenty of ice packs. However, the smoothies are just cold and maybe a little slushy by lunch time, not frozen. Packing them correctly is key in not having a mess in the container: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. ~Amy
Where do you find the large silicone cupcake holders. I purchased some, but they are too short and their contents spills out.
Thanks
Hello Amy. You can find the jumbo muffin cups here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/24/my-favorite-school-lunch-supplies/. ~Amy
Hi,
Love this website… gives a lot of ideas for healthy home-made and interesting school-box lunches for kids.
Can you please let me know a very healthy recipe for spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce? Please… As my daughter has recently started to love this dish, i want to make it healthy. She also recently has started to ‘not-like’ veggies! Hence want to sneak in..
Thank you very much… keep up the effort!
Hi. Here you go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/19/recipe-whole-wheat-spaghetti-and-meatballs/. ~Amy
Wow!! You are so amazing – thank you so much for sharing!! This is seriously such a gift when I have no clue where to start about food. Beyond amazing – thank you, thank you, thank you!! Also, I think we are going to try out the Lunchbots :)
Thank you for these wonderful ideas! I look forward to trying the waffle sandwiches especially… I am also using the Ziploc Bento section box for my two kids. They asked for daily notes in there because they were fun, but I did not like using all that paper. So I go a whiteboard marker and now I write them each a message on the lid of the Ziploc box each morning and just wipe it off each night before washing. Today’s note was: “Hoppy Spring!” and I drew a bunny with a tulip. They especially get a kick out of the days when I say”Hi Ben, Ross and Connor!” to their lunch buddies :)
Do you guys have a lunch meal plan for sale? I would dearly love to have a set plan for what I will do for her lunch everyday
Hi Kay. We currently do not but you can certainly use all the roundup posts to tailor a plan that will work for you. :) ~Amy
I love your lunch ideas! I’m curious how you prevent your apples from oxidizing?
Hello Stephanie. Lisa usually doesn’t use anything. Her girls don’t mind a little browning. My boys do mind. :) I use lemon juice. ~Amy
Hello I am a nutritionist and have had difficulty in finding healthy foods for my son’s lunch…that he will actually eat. I have tried everything I can think of but he is very picky. I also think he is overly self conscious about what is in his lunch. Meaning he is in first grade and kids in his class (small group of 16) make comments on what each other had packed in their lunch. So even if he likes something he will not want it any more if someone has made him feel weird about it. I love the idea of the waffle sandwich. Can you tell me what kind/flavor of cream cheese you use and also how do you pack this so it does not end up soggy. My son’s grade does not eat until 1245 so even with ice pack I’m not sure how that would be. Thanks for all the great lunch ideas. Wonderful!
My daughter eats a peanut butter or almond butter (organic from Trader Joe’s) several times a week. I don’t often see peanut butter in her school lunch postings and wondering her thoughts about both. I’ve looked and was unable to find any information on the website in regards to almond and peanut butter. Thanks:)
Do you make the frozen smoothie pops , or buy those? Thanks!
Hi Sherrie. Lisa makes them. This covers how: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. ~Amy
I am not much of a cook, but I love your website and easy to follow instructions. By far one of the best healthy recipe websites I have stumbled upon.
Thank you.
How do you keep shredded cheese, died cheese from melting in a school lunch bag. Every time I send a salad to school with my grandchildren, they bring the cheese back because it has melted.
Thank you: Susan J. Jarvais
Hi. Using mulitple ice packs should do the trick.