This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Annie’s® and Honest Tea®. The opinions and texts are all mine.
Packing School Lunches.
Yea, I’ll say it – it’s kind of a pain in the you-know-where. It’s not that it’s “painful” in the sense of being hit on the thumb with a hammer. Oh wait, I have two picky eaters so wait, I take that back. I’ll take the hammer to the thumb, please. LOL But, it is worth every minute and all the effort because well…school lunches. One word – GROSS! So here are my 5 Tips for Easier Lunch Packing inspired by Annie’s® and Honest Tea®.
………………………………………………………………….
1) Prep! Prep! Prep!
I can’t stress this one enough for making the job easier. I fix two lunches 5 days a week. And let me emphasize that I am NOT a morning person. So I either pack the lunches the night before , or if it’s something that needs to be warmed I do it the morning of. I like to shop at Sam’s for my lunchbox solutions. Regardless, if I put a little effort into the prepping process, it saves me a ton of time throughout the week. This means slicing the veggies and fruits, pre-slicing cheeses, and filling the Ranch dressing cups, etc.
2) Pre-packaging as much as you can for the week!
Snack sized bags and small sandwich baggies are your friend! The boys have thermal lunch bags which include stackable containers – but prepping fruit, veggie and cracker bags so that I can easily grab whatever I need is a life saver. The boys sometimes grab what they want for the day, too, which let’s them feel as if they have a say in what they eat. I usually pack extras because these also make great snack bags for after school.
3) Containers for Snacks in Pantry
Designate a bin in the pantry for non-perishable snacks such as chips and popcorn, crackers, extra juice boxes, etc. Again, it’s all about organizing and convenience. If you have the space, you could even designate a small shelf or cabinet.
4) Container for Snacks in Fridge
Just like a designated Pantry Bin, I have one set up for the fridge, as well.
It’s so much easier to gather all of your lunch making items into one handy area so you’re not rummaging through your fridge trying to find everything.
5) Create a specified Lunch “Paraphernalia” Basket:
Just inside the pantry, I have a basket I grab each night (or morning) with items that I will need to complete their lunches. Small containers, scraps of paper for note writing, napkins, etc. I used to have these same items stored here and yonder throughout the kitchen and pantry, and realized one day how much extra time I spent going around to gather everything. Then that magical light bulb went off and ka-pow! Instant Lunch Basket was created. (sometimes I amaze myself!) Ha!
If you noticed, two of the items that are lunchbox and snack time staples in this house are Annie’s® Organic White Cheddar Popcorn and Honest® Kids Organic Juice Drinks.
Every day, they want a bag of their favorite popcorn for their mid-morning school snack. They get two juice boxes each day…one for snack time and another for lunch. It makes me feel good that the juices are USDA Organic and sweetened only with fruit juice. For me (yes I drink them too!) they are only 30 calories!
These snacks allow me to include wise choices in their lunches every day, and best of all, these Annie’s® Popcorn Snack Packs make a great after-school snack, as well. Annie’s Popcorn is organic, is made of 100% real cheese and is naturally gluten free.
I am able to buy a box of 20 individual bags of Annie’s® Popcorn and a box with 40 Honest® Kids Organic Juice Drinks in 6 different flavors at Sam’s Club.
So whether you pack lunch for one kid, four kids, a hubby or even yourself – these 5 Tips for Easier Lunch Packing a great way to save time.
What are some of YOUR favorite Lunch Packing Tips?
I am always looking for great ideas for so I would love to hear yours!
Please share in the comments below!
Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day here with me. xxoo Barb
©General Mills ©2016 Honest Tea, Inc. All rights reserved.
………………………………………………………..
Audrey Stewart says
You are a girl after my own heart. I too, am organized and tidy.
View CommentMarybeth L Hamilton says
I can always use tips to make school lunches easier. Thanks for sharing!
View CommentAnnmarie John says
I’m all about making things easier on myself and I am loving your tips. It sure will make things easier. We love Annie’s Snacks and Honest Kids ourselves too.
View CommentLinda Philpott says
Great lunch packing ideas! Organization is key, for sure!
View Comment