No-Stress Lunches for Busy School Days
Stress-Free School Lunches
Back to school season is here! I can’t drink pumpkin spice lattes yet or even think about Halloween but I am ready to welcome back some structure into my household. With this routine however comes my most dreaded household chore - packing of the school lunches! This will be the first time all three of my kids are under the same elementary school roof which is amazing. However the lunches won’t pack themselves so below are my tips to make this slightly more enjoyable.
I’m mainly giving myself a pep talk 🙂
Plan Your Meals in Advance
Create a Weekly Menu: Spend a few minutes each weekend planning out lunches for the week. Having a set menu helps you shop more efficiently and reduces the stress of deciding what to pack each day. You may already do a variation of this for dinner so just take it one step further and include lunches. This may not require as much planning as you think especially if your kids enjoy eating the same thing every day.
Involve Your Child: Let your child help choose their meals from a list of healthy options. This not only makes them more likely to eat what you pack but also teaches them about balanced nutrition.
Extra tip: prep the fruit and vegetables ahead of time so that your children can easily access them when packing. We all have good intentions but healthy choices being visible and accessible is key to success. Unless you’re content with goldfish. No judgment! That is a staple in our household.
2. Prep Ahead of Time
Batch Prep on Weekends: Prepare ingredients like fruits, veggies, and proteins in bulk. You can chop vegetables, portion out snacks, and even assemble sandwiches ahead of time. Before I went on vacation this summer I froze a large batch of Nutella sandwiches in circle shapes so that I could toss it in my pool bag. Less trips up and down the condo stairs was my true motivation. Remember your WHY after chopping your 100th carrot. More time in the morning, less stress, etc.
Use Containers and Bags: Invest in reusable containers and bags. Having a set of well-labeled, stackable containers keeps everything organized and easy to access. I bought a set of Bentgo boxes from Costco and labeled them with their names. My only complaint is that the seals on these get moldy with frequent use. So for my oldest I am experimenting with a stainless steel LunchBots container. I will report back in June with our thoughts. Ultimately it doesn’t matter as long as your child is excited about their lunch box. Sometimes the little things are the big things.
Extra tip: we are not big thermos lunch people but when I do have a few extra minutes in the morning (not often!) I preheat the container with hot water. When the food is done cooking, then transfer. This helps keep the food warmer for longer.
Another lunch favorite: reusable utensil sets. Which kid is going to lose their fork first? The jury is out. Ha!
3. Create a Lunch Packing Station
Designate a Space: Set aside a specific area in your kitchen for lunch packing. Stock it with everything you need, including containers, utensils, napkins, and non-perishable snacks.
Keep It Stocked: Regularly check your lunch station to make sure you have all the essentials. This prevents last-minute scrambles when you're out of something. My favorite stores are Costco and Fred Meyer. My life has been forever changed since discovering the curbside pick up option. I don’t mind Costco if my children are in school and it’s not a weekend. However I know many family and friends that use Instacart or have their groceries delivered to their door. So many options to explore!
Extra tip: keep it in a bottom drawer or shelf so your children can easily access or don’t. “No you may not have any more fruit snacks today. Your quota has been met!”
4. Use a Checklist
Daily Lunch Checklist: Create a simple checklist to ensure you include all the necessary components of a balanced lunch—protein, carbs, fruits, veggies, and a treat.
Keep It Visible: Post the checklist in your kitchen or near your lunch station. This visual reminder helps streamline the process, especially on busy mornings.
Extra tip: Get the kids involved. That is my goal this year. Less nagging and bribing. More motivation. Maybe a reward at the end of the week or month to celebrate? Teamwork makes the dreamwork!
5. Get Creative with Leftovers
Repurpose Dinner Leftovers: Use leftovers creatively to save time and reduce waste. For example, roasted chicken from dinner can be turned into a chicken wrap or salad for lunch.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different leftovers to create a new, exciting lunch option. This can keep things interesting and prevent lunchtime boredom.
6. Stay Organized with a Lunch Calendar
Use a Dry-Erase Board: Consider keeping a dry-erase board in the kitchen where you can jot down the lunch menu for the week. This helps you stay organized and ensures you're not repeating meals too often.
Involve the Kids: Encourage your kids to contribute to the lunch calendar. They can help plan, which makes them feel involved and excited about their lunches.
With a bit of planning and organization, packing school lunches doesn’t have to be a hassle. By implementing these tips, you can simplify your morning routine, ensure your children are eating well, and maybe even make lunch packing a fun part of your day.
What are your favorite lunch-packing tips? Share them by sending us a DM on Instagram or email! and let’s help each other make this school year the most organized one yet!
Jessica is the founder of Signature Organizing, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Washington (servicing the greater Eastside and Seattle area). She loves transforming chaos into functional spaces and is known for bringing creative solutions to improve the quality of life for her clients. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @signatureorganizing
