The Art of The Packed Lunch: Easy Tips for Back to School Season

As the back-to-school season approaches (how did that happen??) the chaos of school’s daily routines always provide new challenges—especially when it comes to packing lunches! Not to worry–we've got you covered with some tried-and-true tips to streamline your lunch packing routine and make mornings smoother than ever.

Batching Will Change Your Life

Save time during busy mornings by prepping lunches in advance. Wash and chop veggies, cook grains and proteins, and portion snacks into bags. This not only speeds assembly but also ensures that the whole family can help divide the work–or even quickly assemble their own lunches day of! And only washing and chopping once? Sign us up. 

Leak-Proof Matters

Especially if you often send the kids off with non-sandwich leftovers! Invest in quality lunch containers that are leak-proof, and easy to clean. Check out bento boxes or stackable containers that keep foods separate and fresh until lunchtime–check Amazon! The world is your oyster. 

Let Them Help!

Get your kids involved. You’d be surprised how capable they are. Create a lunch packing station with designated areas for different food groups—let them assemble their meals using a variety of colorful choices. This fosters independence and ensures they'll actually eat what's packed–and gets rid of the surprise factor for pickier eaters. 

Keep it Fun!

If the whole family grows tired of the same old lunch line up–experiment a little! Don't limit yourself to sandwiches and chips! Experiment with wraps, salads in jars, homemade sushi rolls, or hearty soups in thermoses. Encourage adventurous eating by introducing new flavors and textures! 

A Saranoni Touch

We wouldn’t be the “comfort, warmth and connection” Saranoni that you know if we didn’t endorse the age-old handwritten note in lunches! There’s nothing like an unexpected compliment or reminder of your love to brighten a day–but don’t stop there! Consider including a lunchbox challenge to, “invite someone lonely to sit with you today!” “smile at your teacher” or “share this extra cookie with a friend!” 

Wrapping it Up!

With these tips in hand, you'll transform lunch packing from a chore into a breeze. Embrace the back-to-school season with enthusiasm, knowing that you're setting your family up for success. Happy lunch packing! XOXO, Saranoni