This is for all the mamas who are tired just thinking about packing school lunches and snacks every day for the next nine months.
Let’s face it… It was easier back in the 70s, when every kid brought either a PB&J or bologna sandwich to school. These days, there’s pressure to send in healthy, balanced lunches with plenty of variety throughout the week.
We’re providing lots of options below to help you do just that. But sister, we’re also here to do tell you to what is right for your family. If a good, old-fashioned bologna sandwich every day keeps life simple and your kids happy, send the bologna sandwich!
There is no right or wrong.
We enlisted the help of moms from across our vast City Mom Collective network to assemble tips that will help make packing lunch and snacks easier and more fun this year. Read on…
Free Lunch Printable
Here is a free, printable lunch-box guide to help you get started. Just print out and start filling in for (or with) your little ones. Also, here are some cute, free printable lunch-box notes.
A Little Of This & A Little Of That {FREE Lunch Guide Printable}
School Lunch Packing Hacks
You know your child(ren) best—when it comes to food and everything else. Buy and pack what you know they like to eat.
Ideas for Busy Moms
Weekdays get busy. Here are some great thoughts for getting ahead of the game each week, as well as some terrific lunch ideas.
Making Healthy Choices
If you are trying to cut out some processed foods in favor of an overall healthier diet, do a little research and grab some fun accessories. Maybe the kiddos won’t even notice the lack of packaged foods they’ve come to love.
School Lunch Recipes
When preparing school lunches seems overwhelming, look for other mamas’ recipes. This post has a great collection.
Vegan School Lunches
Helpful hints for vegan families packing school lunches.
Breaking Out of the School Lunch Rut
This mama says it’s all about letting kids help pack and putting a minute of effort into the presentation.
Stress-Free Lunches + Snacks
Specific ideas for school lunches and snacks, including alternatives for gluten-free, nut-free and other allergies.
Terrific Tips for the First-Time Mom
If you are packing school lunches for the first time, read this. It will help you breathe and realize that it’s just lunch, afterall.
Fun Snacks for Kids
Some ideas for new and different snacks. Also, read this post for some great snacks that will help keep your kiddos full.
A Primer on Food Allergies + School
Worried about sending your child with food allergies to school? You are not alone. This parent gives step-by-step instructions on what to do.
Allergy-Friendly Snack Brands
Do you spent countless hours each month, scouring labels and the Internet to determine what snacks your child with a food allergy can eat? Here is a great starting list…
All About Food Allergies
This is a meta-post that pulls together lots of resources for families of children with food allergies.
Bento Boxes
Bento boxes are all the rage. Some mamas spend hours packing them each day. Others use them as a simple tool to make eating easier for their kids.
It’s a start, right? What are your best tips? Drop them in the comments, so the rest of us can learn from your experience!
Shop Our Back To School Shopping Guide
