Back-to-school: simplify life for school lunches in 6 steps

1. Buy in bulk (and on sale!)

Let’s face it: lunches are often the same old thing. Without falling into an endless routine, the idea is to buy in large quantities those items that repeatedly show up on your shopping list — like yogurt, cheese, granola bars, etc.

By always having snacks at hand, you reduce grabbing random treats here and there. More importantly — you’re less likely to dip into your restaurant budget. In short, the whole family is happy!

2. Portion everything as soon as you get back from groceries

Yes, grocery shopping is already a chore on its own. But what if we add half an hour more to that weekly task? It might sound like a drag, but in reality it saves you dozens of minutes here and there over the week. That’s the idea behind prepping and portioning in advance. 

By cutting fruits and veggies ahead of time, you’re more likely to eat them — and you also reduce waste because you can see exactly what’s left. Win-win! 

3. Make a weekly menu plan

“What’s for dinner?” — a question that pops up roughly 18 times a day, and too often goes unanswered. Say hello to the weekly menu!

Besides saving us that daily dilemma, it makes grocery shopping more structured. By planning meals ahead, you can pick recipes whose ingredients are on sale, and you avoid cycling between the same five meals (spaghetti again? Shepherd’s pie?) over and over. 

4. Introduce a thermos in the lunch box

A sandwich will always be a sandwich. Add some sprouts or extra cheese if you want — but a sandwich will never match the comforting warmth of a hot meal. 

However, microwaves are not always available — especially at school. So we adapt. Thank you, dear engineer, for inventing a container that keeps food warm for over 12 hours. A warm meal in the lunch box — priceless. 

Sure, the child might not be convinced at first. To ease into this new habit, cook meals that taste just as good reheated as fresh off the stove. A little tip: that’s our secret!

5. Organize the pantry and the fridge

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of opening a clean, well-organized fridge and pantry. For once, you feel fully in control at home. (Let’s just not check the pile of laundry in the basement… but that’s another story!)

Putting each food item, each ingredient in its place doesn’t only help keep an inventory — it also speeds up lunch assembly. Want to go even further? Label each compartment so things stay put, as much as possible. 

6. Involve the kids in the task

Who said lunch prep is only for parents? Without giving kids full responsibility, it’s nice to have them pitch in — as much as their age and abilities allow. 

Of course, your 8-year-old isn’t going to boil eggs solo, but they can still help by putting snacks in the lunch boxes. A small task that can easily become a family tradition!