Menu Ideas for the School Lunchbox

Back-to-school time is here, and with it the nagging problem of what to pack in your kid’s school lunchbox. You want something that’s healthy, gentle-on-the-environment, and -- importantly – something your child will actually eat.

What kids eat is critically important, especially in the middle of the school day, when good nourishment is key to learning. But it's a tall order to prepare a meal that's healthy, tastes great hours after you make it, appeals to your children, and isn't bad for the environment. Especially for busy parents on a weekday morning!

The best advice is to buy organic whenever possible. I know organic produce isn't accessible or affordable for everyone. For those of you wanting healthier choices, check out the website of the Environmental Working Group—ewg.org. Their Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce tells how you can substantially lower your pesticide intake by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating produce with the least pesticide residues.

The five main tips for packing a tasty eco lunch are:

• Less and better meat
  
• Pack more fruits and vegetables with minimal pesticides
  
• No junk juice or unfiltered tap water
• Reduce waste as much as possible

Here are some examples of healthy, kid-friendly school lunches:

Almond butter and jam on whole wheat
Organic cherry tomatoes
Organic watermelon wedges and blueberries
Fruit leather -- look for natural brands or make your own

Brown rice and bean chili in a thermos
Organic sliced carrots
Tortilla chips and fresh tomato salsa
Organic Apple slices

Peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat
Handful of cashews
Organic sweet corn
Organic peach

Tomato soup in a thermos
Small chicken or turkey wrap or sliced cooked chicken
Organic cucumber slices with lime and salt
Organic grapes mixed with carrot slices

For more information, check the website of the Environmental Working Group

www.ewg.org.

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