The school year is coming to a close, but I didn’t want it to end without sharing one more installment for the School Lunch Roundup Series, showing what I’ve been packing and posting on my Facebook page this year (almost daily!). And as summer is upon us I want to make it clear that these lunch ideas could go far beyond just the school cafeteria. I find myself packing food for the kids all summer long for outdoor picnics, day camps, long road trips, zoo outings, museum visits, and afternoons at the pool. The plastic divided containers (pictured below) are perfect for all of these occasions and are an especially great way to keep road trip lunches mess-free (and waste-free) since the containers serve as your “plate” once you take off the lid. I hope your summer is full of fun activities and travel plans!
To learn more about the lunches we pack here are some links to get you started…
- Our favorite school lunch supplies including the pictured plastic Ziploc divided containers (each compartment is leak-proof).
- Everything you could ever want to know about those colorful smoothie pop molds.
- The reason we don’t track protein (hint: Have you ever heard of anyone having a protein deficiency?).
- Our recipe index where you’ll find a lot of the recipes pictured below.
- Readers sometimes ask what these lunches look like after they are tossed all around in the backpack…so check out The Life Cycle of a School Lunch where I share before and after pictures.
- Also be sure to checkout our previous, similar posts: School Lunch Roundup I, School Lunch Roundup II, and School Lunch Roundup III.
School Lunch Roundup Photos
Bonus
When we recently went camping I used our divided lunch tray as a way to pack appetizers for all the campers! It worked out perfectly.
What are your favorite packed lunch combinations? Please share in the comments.
Hi Daanna. Lisa tries to to make certain her girl’s lunches are both balanced and varied. She doesn’t stress about it and is confident that at the week’s end, her girls have been fed very well. :) ~Amy
Hi,
I have tried to do the make-your-own pizzas. What kind of cheese do you use? I tried to grate fresh mozzarella, and it was a total disaster. Is there a better way to do it, or should I be using a different cheese? – Thanks!!
Hi Emily. An aged block of mozzarella is easier to grate than fresh. When using fresh, you may want to try thin slices instead of grating it. :)
Starting to gather ideas for Back to School! I notice in one of your photos, you include whole grain organic corn puffs. Is there a brand you can recommend?
Hi there, Amy. Lisa buy a variety of puffed 100% cereal grains. You can find them at stores like Earth Fare and Whole Foods. The store brands are fine. ~Amy
What brand(s) of pretzels do you buy? Popcorn?
Thanks !
Hi Jana. Lisa buys whole wheat pretzels from Trader Joes. Look for organic popcorn. :) ~Amy
Also what brand/kind of crackers do u buy? Thanks again!
Ak Mak and Crunch Master. :)
Just double checking before I order the lands end lunchbox…. Do the divided plastic containers fit with a thermos bottle? Of the one million lunch Boxes I have now, the plastic container does not fit. I tried finding a picture in the school round up posts, but did not see one…tha nks for you help!!
Hi Allison. There is a pouch for the thermos on the side of the bag. :)
where do you get the divided plastic containers?
Hi! I found those containers at my local Target for $2.50 Great Deal!!! :)
I’ve found those containers at my local Target for $2.50, the package off two. :)
Loved your lunch ideas and I really appreciate the point that you openly tell as brands and stores :) Thank you so much!!!
How do you pack hot and cold foods together in the same lunch? For example, the tomato bisque and cheesestick and muffin. Where do you put the ice pack for the cheese stick without making the soup cold?
Thanks.
Hi Jen. The ice pack goes under or around the portion you want to keep cold. Also, the contents of the thermos should not be affected much from an ice pack. I typically further separate the thermos and cold items with a cloth napkin. :)
Hello! My hubby just got a new job that requires him being on the road for lunch. These meals look awesome! They are perfect. So many healthy varieties… Thank you so much for sharing!!! <3
Hello! I recently read in a a publication from Healthy Green Schools that Baby Bel cheese contains GMO RBGH. Do you know if this is still true? The booklet also said Pirate’s Booty is GMO but their website indicates they now offer some non-GMO products. I can’t find anything with an update on Baby Bel. Thank you in advance for any info you have!
Hi Sallie. Not sure but this is the site I find most helpful: http://www.nongmoproject.org/. :)
You know, this is downright the most useful thing on the internet this month. Thanks for keeping up the effort for us.
Thanks for the fantastic insight. I’m left in charge of packing my son’s lunch and although I’m pretty creative I do appreciate the pictures and information you’ve shared. It certainly will e useful as I plan out a new school year.
Happy eating and thanks again.
Doug
Someday I hope my kiddos eat as well as yours. It’s a process. Thanks for the inspiration! I shared a link to this post on my site today: http://www.healthhappensathome.com/blog/2016/6/14/healthy-living-motivation
Where do you get those cool tubes for the smoothies?
Hello. You can find the link as well as instructions for use in this post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/.
do you dress the salads when you pack? if not, how do you package?
They are typically dressed when packed. You can also pack a small container if you prefer to keep it separate.