1St Grader Lunch Idea for the Picky Boy

How about Mac n Cheese, Pasta, or soup in a thermos. Bagel with cream cheese or lunch meat. Leftovers from dinners he likes. This recipe from family fun looks good. Most kids like pizza.

PIZZA IN A PITA(FROM FAMILY FUN)

Few foods have a higher lunchtime approval rating than pizza. This one, with the main attractions packed inside pita bread, can be served plain for finicky types or loaded with extras, such as pepperoni, olives, or peppers, for daredevils.

Ingredients

1 whole-wheat pita bread
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp. pizza or tomato sauce

Directions

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 350 degrees. Split the pita bread halfway around the edge and spoon in the cheese, tomato sauce, and any toppings. Wrap the pita in aluminum foil and bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Makes 1 serving.

Peanut butter/peanuts are generally prohibited in schools now since so many children have life-threatening allergies to peanuts.

My daughter likes leftovers in her thermos (they have nifty little ones at Target that have a separate smaller container in the top with a spoon.) I usually soak the thermos in hot water and then heat the leftovers in a bowl in the microwave until they are STEAMING hot and then transfer to the thermos and wrap the thermos in foil. I do this immediately before we go out the door so it will stay warm as long as possible. She has always said her meals are still warm.

We've done this with macaroni and cheese, casseroles, spaghetti, lasagna, etc.

You also aren't required to pack a "main course" so to speak if he doesn't like sandwiches. How about a variety of healthy crackers and cheese cubes or sticks and slices of ham or turkey? Kind of like a healthier lunchable. Grapes, granola bars, fresh veggies and dip, whole bananas (they have the smaller ones in some grocery stores), or even baggies of dry cereal are good. If you wanted to do cereal with milk you could send money for extra milk, a bowl and a spoon. Apples are good if he likes to bite into a whole one, or if you slice them, spritz them with a little bit of lemon juice to keep from turning brown.

-Amanda

I am lucky to live in a small town that has yet to put global rules on the entire student body to accomidate one or two students, although I understand how life threatening this condition can be. With that said, (dismounting for my soapbox) I have a nephew with a nut allergy and he is allowed "Nutella." It is a pricy, less healthy (as if PB is really healthy) alternative, but it is made with chocolate and hazelnut which a lot of kids with a peanut allergy can tolerate. It can be found in the PB aisle, near the PB. I think Aldi came up with a knock-off so it has to be less expensive. For me, it is more important to have my son eat at school. When he doesn't, he can't learn.

Here's another thought, I send my son to school with a hotdog I throw in the mircowave just before he is off to school. He likes ketchup so I save packets from McD's or where ever and send it with him so he can put it on right before he eats it. Left-overs are a big thing for him, chicken nuggets, pizza, things like that. I microwave it just before he leaves and it is fine when it's time for him to eat.

Good luck!
J.

when all else fails with my kids i give them cheese and crackers, or a baggie of cereal in place of there sandwich. this was i know at least they are getting something to carry them through the day!

I second the bag of cereal (and give him milk money) and the soup, mac'n'cheese, and leftovers in a thermos. fruit is usually a good choice.

I package up most of the lunch items (that won't spoil) on the sunday before the week starts. Then, my son packs his own lunch but his has to choose three things - one must be a fruit/vege and another something with a bit of protein.

Remember, most schools do not offer a long lunch period so kids don't eat a ton.

I'm going to have the same trouble in a few years, but PB&J will be the ONLY option. The only thing I can think of is fresh fruits, carrot sticks/ranch dip, buttered bread, cold cuts, and sliced cheese/crackers. Dont' know if he likes much lunch meat (other than turkey) and pickles, but you can roll up ham or turkey with cream cheese and around a pickle. Some kids love it, mine wouldn't touch it. I like the thermos idea, too. I'd explain it to him and take him to the grocery store one day just to research lunch ideas.