Listen to the Lunch Lady

Okay, Mama, the Lunch Lady has some very specific advice to give you when you make your kids’ lunches for school. So listen up!

Read the Labels. Remember to choose the healthiest option for your children. For example, if you are making a PB & J, use whole wheat bread (if it doesn’t say “whole” then it’s not), natural peanut butter, and 100% fruit spread.

Choose Healthy Packaged Food. You usually have to put some form of packaged food in a lunch. Go for healthy options, such as whole grain cookies, no sugar added applesauce, or natural chips and crackers.

Throw in Fresh Food. Make sure you include something living in the lunch, such as bananas, oranges, carrots, or some of your kids’ favorite choices.

Take Them Shopping. You want to make sure that they actually eat the food you pack for them. Let them go shopping with you, and help them make good, healthy choices for their lunch items.

Add a Sweet Note from Mama. If you think it might embarrass your children, then follow this tip: Get a page-a-day desk calendar with a favorite character or cartoon on it. Tear off that calendar page and just write in a simple, “Have a nice day.”

And one more tip from the lunch lady—Tell your kids they better NEVER throw away that healthy food you pack for them. If they don’t want to eat it, tell them to leave it in their lunchbox. It will give you something to snack on after you pick them up from school!