Now that I’m a seasoned lunch-packing professional, I figured it might be a good time to share my knowledge.  NOT!!!  We’re only two days into this new adventure, and I’m totally making it up as I we go along.  But I’m hoping that by recording this new strategy, it’ll stick in my brain and actually continue to work for the remainder of my children’s school lunch years.  Or it could jinx me and mysteriously cause the inability to have my act together ever again.  Either way, here it is.

A few weeks ago I eavesdropped on noticed a friend’s Facebook post about school lunches in which she suggested using some sort of bento-style lunch box because it’s easier to pack and reduces the amount of plastic baggies necessary to keep food separate.  So I immediately turned to Amazon.com and checked out my options.

Based upon customer reviews and affordability, I choose these containers from EasyLunchBoxes.com.  They come in a 4-pack, and are dishwasher safe and easy for Ryder to open and close by himself.  One container fits perfectly in his lunchbox (which I found for less than $5 on clearance at Target.  I know, right?!), and there is enough room for an ice pack and a spoon.  There are three compartments in each container, and they hold a lot more than I thought they would.  If you know Ryder personally, you know this is important because he is literally never full, so I worried about being able to pack enough food for him to make it through the day.

So far, he has asked for a turkey & salami sandwich, an Aussie Bite, carrots, and strawberries each day.  He also asked for cottage cheese on the first day of school, but decided he didn’t want it for lunch again after that.  I was worried about it leaking all over the sandwich (I have an aversion to soggy bread), but that didn’t seem to be a problem.

One of my biggest worries about him starting first grade had nothing to do with him and everything to do with my own organizational abilities.  I’m afraid I’ll forget to pack and/or send his lunch.  I’ve learned from others who have gone before me that it’s best to pack lunches the night before to avoid forgetfulness or tardiness.  So in preparation for his first day of school I had his food packed and ready to go before dinnertime the evening before the big day.  Just covering my bases 🙂

Now I have my third school lunch under my belt, and the secret to my success is simple.  As soon as he gets home, he puts his lunch bag on the counter and puts his backpack away.  I simply empty out the old container, load it in the dishwasher, and pack a fresh container with the next day’s lunch.  It stays fresh in the fridge overnight, and all I have to do is add an ice pack in the morning.

Nothin’ fancy, but it works for me!

***Disclaimer: All opinions are my own.  I did not receive a free set of containers for review, I just think they’re awesome and thought I’d share.