Believe it or not September is here, and with it the start of a new school year. It’s time for students to dust off those backpacks, because ‘tis the season for heading back to class – whether the kids want to or not.
But between History and Math class, your little ones need to fuel up – and after driving them around and helping out with homework, the last thing you need is to be left wondering “what should I pack them for lunch?” So to help you get a head-start on all those school-year lunches, we’ve compiled a list of eight budget-friendly, nutritious (and still delicious!) lunch ideas to help your little ones stay on track from roll call to 3pm.
1. A Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Even the pickiest eater can get tired of plain old baloney sandwiches day after day – why not switch up the usual white bread and cheddar for some delicious mortadella and mozzarella on focaccia bread? Or skip the deli section altogether and make a mozzarella and tomato sandwich, or even cream cheese and cucumber on a bagel. Don’t be afraid to step out of the sandwich box!
2. Homemade "Lunchables"
Which school-age child would pass on Lunchables? They’re like Build-A-Bears, except with lunch. But while kids love them, but parents don’t love the slew of unhealthy ingredients they contain. High fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, sodium nitrites? No thank you.
You can make your little ones some homemade "lunchables" that are 1000x better, without the nasty additives. Simply buy a reusable container and add your own mix of ham, turkey or bologna slices, crackers, and cubed cheese. Add cut-up veggies or fruit and a little treat for dessert. Switch it up with different ingredients every day – the possibilities are endless!
Photo courtesy of ourlifeinaction.wordpress.com
3. Scrambled Egg Cupcakes
Scrambled eggs and cupcakes seem like an odd pairing, but this
recipe from Canadian Family has garnered rave reviews from kids and parents alike. These ingenious bite-size snacks are great for lunch, breakfast, or recess. Plus, you can whip up a batch in just 20 minutes, but don’t be surprised if they disappear quicker than that!
Photo courtesy of chasingthefirefly.wordpress.com
4. Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Kids love chicken nuggets – there’s just no way around it. If you want to treat them to their favourite snack, but want to keep it healthy and on budget, why not make your own chicken nuggets at home? Simply make your own breaded chicken, and use cornflake crumbs to give it that extra crunch. Don’t forget to pack ketchup for dunking!
5. AB and J
For years, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were the staple of school cafeterias across the country. Times have changed though, and the rise of peanut allergies has resulted in many school boards banning the classic PB and J from many a Canadian school cafeteria. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t pack them an alternative that’s just as yummy as the plain-Jane PB and J of decades past. Substitute almond butter for peanut butter and you’ve got yourself a kid-favourite that’s safe for everyone.
6. Tuna Sandwich
I’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t enjoy a simple tuna sandwich – what’s more, they’re a cinch to make in the morning, and the budget-friendly ingredients won’t take a toll on your wallet. All you need is canned tuna, mayo, and chopped onion and celery. Switch it up and use pita bread to make a yummy tuna vegetable pita.
7. Tomato soup and crackers
Chicken noodle soup is a classic, but there’s nothing wrong with expanding your soup horizons. Tomato soup and crackers gives your kids a nice break from regular cold lunches – with
a few simple ingredients, and in the time it takes to get through an episode of Spongebob, you can make them a hot lunch packed with nutrients and tomato-y goodness. Simply heat the soup and pour it into a thermos so it stays nice and warm until lunchtime.
Photo courtesy of bentonbetterlunches.com
8. Pasta salad
Sick of sandwiches, but don’t want to whip out the thermos just yet? Make the kids some hearty pasta salad, it’s affordable and flavourful and the variations are endless. Use their favourite pasta – like macaroni, spiral or penne – and their favourite salad dressing, along with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions and parmesan. Voilà, lunchbox perfection!
