If you get my weekly quick tip, then you know that a couple of weeks ago I shared the idea of expanding on the pantry lunch-making mini-zone that I’ve talked about before, by putting together a refrigerator mini-zone loaded with school lunch essentials. (If you don’t get my Quick Tip you can sign up here.) Here are some ideas and photos for creating your own lunch-making mini-zone so you can get organized and simplify the lunch-making process! Enjoy.
Start by purchasing (or re-purposing) a plastic storage bin sized to fit on one of the shelves in your refrigerator. I used an ITSO bin from Target…because I just happened to have some on hand, and because two of them fit perfectly side-by-side on the shelf in my refrigerator. (I love it when things like that happen.)
Load your bin with prepackaged lunch-making items such as cheese sticks, and/or small packages of yogurt, smoothies, juice or milk. Once a week stock your lunch bin with items such as grapes, baby carrots, celery sticks and dip, stored in small, reusable lunch containers. This is also a great place to store left-overs that would make good lunch items.
I decided to store fruit and veggies in bulk instead of prepackaged to save space in my bin. My food storage containers are always on the counter when I make lunch…so I think this will work just fine. I used a small plastic cup to hold cheese sticks upright, making them easier to see and access.
Keep unrefrigerated lunch-making items like napkins, cutlery, bread, chips, crackers and cookies in a second bin in your pantry. I’ve been using this pantry lunch making bin for years—and it works great for us! It takes a lot of steps out of the lunch-making process.
All that’s left to do is actually make lunch…and that’s where things can get a little dicey around here. One thing I’ve noticed in past years is that as the school year goes on…I tend to get into a lunch rut. I start running out of ideas and end up sending the same things for lunch day after day.
So I was really thrilled when I came across the Wendolonia blog and this blog post with a terrific list of lunch ideas. I printed out a copy of the list and gave it to my kids. They crossed off items that they don’t care for, added items they like that weren’t on the original list, and we put together a customized lunch idea list. I have it coded as to who likes what…so I can safely put together a lunch that I know is healthy and the kids will enjoy. (Here’s a link to our Lunch-Ideas-List…if you’d like to see it or even use it.)
My daughter came up with the idea of writing her lunch requests on her chalkboard the night before. Once we’ve used the lunch idea list for a little while and account for any additions or subtractions, I plan to laminate this list and then highlight what’s available for lunch each week. The kids can use the laminated list to write down their requests on the chalkboards. The best part is that I don’t have to ask half-awake kids what they want for lunch. (I’ve found the answers are never very helpful at that time of day.)
Either way, I think we’re all organized for lunch this school year. How about you? Any tips or ideas to share? I’d love to hear from you.
This is great! I’m just about to do packed lunches for the first time – my kids have always had school dinners but I’m making the change and this is a great way of getting started. Thanks!
Great article – I love the cubbies in the fridge. I use the same concept in the freezer since we prepare all the kids lunches on Sunday night for the week….radical – but it works! http://www.tinyurl.com/botschoollunch
I love the Itso bins in the fridge. I buy them every time they are on special. This year I am sending two kids off to school (sniff) and am making the change from school dinners to nearly all packed (with the odd school dinner thrown in). I have planned out 7 lunchbox menus and I am just going to rotate through. That way I can plan my grocery shopping accordingly and make their lunches the night before. I might add your organising system to mine and see how it goes!
Thank you Aby, love your blog. So inspiring to me. Thanks for the time you put into it. 🙂 Have a great day
My oldest (DD 10) is fussy and will only eat raw veggies (no fruit) so at supper I have to get out the Tupperware storage containers with the veggies to put some on a plate for her and while I’m doing that I cut up veggies for both the girls’ lunches.
Then after supper I just have to make sandwichs, grab treats and juice. In the morning throw it together with a yogurt and an ice pack.
My other tip is make lunches at night not in the morning. I find then I’m not rushed to make them and can help the girls if they need anything. Or just chat with them or break up any fights.
Thanks everyone for your comments! I’ve been using my refrigerator bin this week and love it! My son wanted to buy lunch today but then he said “Oh, but the lunches you’ve been making me are so great…I think I’d rather bring.” Hooray! Healthier choice all day long. 🙂
Good luck with your lunch-making endeavors.
Aby
School starts in NY on Wednesday and today I put together some lunch bins. In the fridge…gogurt, grapes in snack bags and cheese sticks. In the pantry one for pears, applesauce and peaches and one for snack bags of preztel sticks, goldfish and mini triscuits (love those)
I already have a drawer at the island where I make the lunches that has brown bags, and plastic silverware.
I looove these ideas! You rock my world… and simplify it so much 🙂 Thanks a million!