Lunch Packing Tips from Stop and Shop

Packing 3 lunches in the mornings for the kids sometimes feels like torture. I feel like it takes up a ridiculous amount of time each morning for me. Which kid likes this? Who doesn't like this? WHERE IS HENRY'S WATER BOTTLE?? I do try to get things ready the night before as much as possible but with activities at night and my recent commitment to re-watching every episode of Ally McBeal, I only have so much time :)

Therefore, I'm always on the hunt for ways to make packing lunches easier. Stop and Shop Nutritionist, Julie Hersey, recently shared these lunch packing tips:

1. Create a personalized lunch shopping list. Take a trip to the grocery store or simply begin the conversation about building their own lunch. Get your child's input. What foods do they like? What new foods do they want to try this year? 
2.  Stock up on accessories for a smooth assembly. Gather all the non-food items needed for the year like an insulated lunchbox, ice packs, small containers and a reusable water bottle. Store in an easy to reach place. 
3.  Go kiddie-sized. Avoid food waste by reaching for portioned tubes of yogurt, boxes of milk, packaged nuts, fruit cups, or simply use snack sized bags.
4.  Make it easy to eat. Kids have limited lunch time so save every minute by washing, peeling, and cutting foods into smaller pieces. Also limit hard to open packages.
5.  Plan and pack around a theme. Together brainstorm themes for different days of the week - food on a stick, breakfast for lunch, rainbow colors, etc.
6.  Pack together. Start packing a week of lunches with your child until they pick up on the routine, then slowly limit your guidance. This is a great time to start packing lunch for yourself too!

 As a mom and as a Preschool Teacher I think number 4 is SUPER important. Kids don't have a lot of time for snack or lunch so I definitely try to make it as easy as possible on them. If I sent Henry in with an unpeeled mandarin orange it would literally take him the entire lunch period just to unpeel it!

What great lunch packing tips do you have to share? You can also check out Stop and Shop's Healthy Kid Ideas for all kinds of wellness tips, recipes, and resources. Click HERE for more info!

*Stop and Shop sent me a package of lunchtime essentials. As always, all opinions are my own. If you're ever looking for me, check my local Stop and Shop. I'm there at least 3 times a week (maybe more picking up something!