10 Back to School Lunch Ideas | The North Shore Moms

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Back to school is here and that means for many parents, it’s time to start packing daily lunches. My strategy for preschool (and my picky eater) was to send the same lunch everyday. Now that my son is starting Kindergarten, I’m hoping to mix it up a little bit. My go-to Instagram account for lunch ideas is @toddlereatcheats. This account was started by Kayla Doherty, a full-time working mom from Gloucester. Kayla wants to help other parents who are struggling with ideas for lunches, who have picky eaters, and to spread allergy awareness. Her son Graham (5) is allergic to tree nuts and her daughter Emmy (3) is allergic to eggs in all forms. She hopes her account can be a source of inspiration for lunch ideas and help moms learn more about school-safe options for children diagnosed with food allergies. Thanks to Kayla for sharing this list of her Top 10 Lunch Ideas (complete with sides and snacks)!

 

Top 10 Back to School Lunch Ideas

 

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1. Rainbow Pasta with Chicken Sausage in Thermos
Main Course: rotini pasta and chicken sausage with butter and parmesan cheese in Thermos
Sides: cucumbers slices with Italian dressing and grapes
Snacks: Enjoy Life Bar and Cheez-Its

2. Homemade Lunchables
Main Course: turkey pepperoni, cheddar slices and Wheat Thins
Sides: yogurt pouch, and mixed fruit
Snacks: Made Good Bar and Goldfish

 

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3. Homemade Uncrustables
Main Course: use an Uncrustable cutter with Sun Butter and jelly on white or wheat bread
Sides: apple sauce pouch and Halo orange (pre-peeled)
Snacks: yogurt covered raisins, and graham cracker snacks

4. Chicken Nuggets in Thermos
Main Course: chicken nuggets in Thermos with a side of ketchup
Sides: raspberries and blackberries
Snacks: Fig Newtons and Pirate’s Booty

5. Breakfast for Lunch
Main Course: blueberry muffins
Sides: strawberries/blueberries and Cheerios
Snacks: granola bar and yogurt shake

 

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6. Deli Meat Cut Out
Main Course: grab a few cutouts on Amazon of their favorite things and cut out any sandwich packed with deli meat
Sides: carrots and dip with red peppers
Snacks: Pringles and fruit snacks

7. Salad with Deli Meat
Main Course: salad in a Tupperware with cucumbers, peppers, and turkey or ham and cheese, choice of dressing on side
Sides: grapes
Snacks: pretzel sticks and veggie sticks

8. Bagel Dogs in Thermos
Main Course: heated Bagel Dogs in a thermos
Sides: cantaloupe, watermelon and string cheese
Snacks: Made Good Granola Bites, Welch’s Fruit + Yogurt Bites

 

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9. English Muffin Pizzas
Main Course: English muffin, pizza sauce and mozzarella in air fryer or toaster
Sides: pepperoni and baby tomatoes
Snacks: cheese and crackers + mini rice cakes

10. Chocolate Hummus on a Bagel
Main Course: chocolate hummus on the bagel (regular size or mini bagel)
Sides: strawberries and apple slices
Snacks: Natures Bakers Bar and Paw Patrol Graham Cookies

 

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Find Toddler EatCheats on Instagram @toddlereatcheats. Thanks again to Kayla for this guest post!

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