A couple of weeks ago, my kids staged a sandwich rebellion. I have been packing sandwiches in their lunch boxes since last August, so I guess by March they were just plain tired of eating the same thing day after day.
Sure, I mixed it up with PB&J sandwiches, Turkey and Ham sandwiches. But it wasn’t enough. The kids went on a hunger strike anyway. It was time for me to expand the school lunch menu.
I have found that making something besides a sandwich really isn’t that difficult. If we have something for dinner the kids really like, I send leftovers to school for lunch.
Something to keep in mind about sending hot lunches is that your child needs to have access to a microwave or you’ll need to send heated food in a thermal food container. My kids have a microwave in their classroom, but I prefer to send their hot food in one of our thermal containers.
It usually works best if I don’t have to do a lot of cooking in the mornings before school – but things like pasta only take a few minutes to boil.
I cook meats like chicken ahead of time so all I have to do in the morning is take it out of the refrigerator, heat it up and transfer it to the thermal container to stay warm until lunchtime.
10 Non-Sandwich School Lunch Ideas for Kids
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Chicken & Black Bean Taco
- Leftover Pizza
- Rotisserie Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Salad topped with a favorite Meat & Cheese
- Waffles
- Crackers with Meat and Cheese Slices
- Hummus and Pita Bread or Pita Chips
- Chicken Fingers
Horizon Organic School Lunch Ideas
Horizon Organic has a variety of different products from snack crackers to Mac & Cheese. I have been able to bust our recent lunchbox boredom by sending the latest in kid-friendly foods to school.
We picked up a box of the Horizon Organic Gluten-Free White Cheddar Cheese and Macaroni, Strawberry Super Squeeze (Smoothie in a Pouch), and Organic Strawberry Fruit Snacks.
The White Cheddar Cheese and Macaroni takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and is a delicious school lunch. It’s a tasty meal that provides 10 grams of protein per serving, plus it is made with organic ingredients I feel good about feeding my children.
Horizon Organic’s Microwaveable Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese cups are another great option for kids who are able to prep their own lunches (simply add water, microwave and stir).
The Super Squeeze and Fruit Snacks are easy to pack for the kids snack time. Super Squeeze blended real fruit and milk pouches come in Strawberry, Orange and Mixed Berry varieties. Fruit snacks come in Strawberry and Berry Medley flavors.
Of course, we have our classic favorite Horizon Organic products, too. My kids love it when I include the milk boxes in their lunch. It is a special treat for them – especially the chocolate milk (their all-time favorite!)
What does your child like to take to school for snacks and lunches? Do you have more ideas for non-sandwich school lunches? Share yours with us in the comments below.
