What My Plant-Based Kids Ate for Lunch Today #5: Back to School Edition

School is back in session (at least here in Texas), and I am back in that lunch-packing groove. This year, I am packing lunches for 2 kiddos and Husband on the daily. That means everything must be prepped en masse times 3 with enough variety that everyone is happy, but not so varied that mom looses her marbles. The added twist this year is that there are new “snack rules” at my kids’ school that dictate that all snacks must contain no nuts, be mess free, and be in single serving sizes.

With the gauntlet being thrown down, I have rolled up my sleeves and sharpened my knives. Thankfully, summer fruits are still in season so I have a bounty of berries on my side to help switch things up in the lunch box. I have ordered several more of my favorite lunch cubes from Sistema, the kids have new water bottles and lunch pails, and I have scoured Pinterest for new inspiration. Let’s do this!

Today’s lunch is a twist on the classic PB&J. I made no added sugar sunflower seed butter (allergy friendly!) and fruit-sweetened jelly sandwiches on mini whole wheat bagels. These were a BIG hit with the kids (Husband got a “full-sized” version). I found these KIND Pressed Bars that only contain pear, apple, carrot, apricot, and beet. They are perfect for snack time (nut free, mess free, and single serve!!) and the ingredient list is as clean as can be!

In the smaller compartments, there is cut up cucumber, red bell pepper, and tricolor carrots with a homemade black bean dip (black beans, salsa, garlic, cumin, and cilantro). Taking advantage of the last few weeks of summer harvest, I packed strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and a few slices of Cara Cara oranges. I made sure to include a collapsible fork to avoid sticky hands.

I also tossed in a fruit and veggie chia squeeze pouch on top of the lunch cube just in case they were extra hungry. I am still trying to gauge how much each kid eats during the school day. I figure, I’d rather throw in an extra snack that gets sent back than have my child be hungry (or hangry in the case of my kids!). Lastly, there is a water bottle on the outside pocket. You wouldn’t believe how few lunch boxes have the outside pocket feature! It is SO important for your child to drink lots of water during the day and having it on the outside of the lunch box makes it even easier for them to access.

Over the next few months of the school year, I plan on putting up more lunch box inspiration posts for you all. I know it helps me to see what other parents are packing for their kids!

What did you pack in your child’s school lunch today? Share it in the comments below so we can all get some easy food inspiration!

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