Distanced Learning School Lunch Plan
Distanced Learning School Lunch Plan
If you're back to school lunch program is looking a little different than expected, you're not alone!
We're adjusting to this new normal and trying to take it as it comes.
In the best of times, our family lobs in an occasional home lunch packed for the school lunchroom.
And, I'm prepared to share that these are NOT the 'best of times.' Instead, I'm working on a plan that puts my little scholars in control of their homemade lunch in between distance learning class time.
I've designed a fun weekly school lunch planner for the kids to fill out and write a grocery list for me to shop.
I'll be leaning on them to 'eat from the rainbow' as the map out a week of nutritious lunch, snacks and breakfast.
Eat the Rainbow
An easy and fun way to teach young kids about balanced meals and healthy nutrition is to use a colorful rainbow as a guide.
Invite kids to 'eat from the rainbow' when they choose a food from each color group at meals.
Colorful Food Groups
Red | tomatoes, peppers, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon
Orange | citrus, carrots, peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe
Yellow | bananas, cheese, yogurt, corn, squash, potatoes
Green | leafy greens, kiwi, kale, broccoli, green beans, peas, peppers, honeydew melon, squash
Blue + Purple | blueberries, eggplant,
Brown | beans, legumes, seeds and nuts, chocolate milk in moderation, whole grains
White + Black | milk, cottage cheese, beans
Fill Your Fridge with these Brain Boosting Foods
- Washed and cut veggies
- Washed, whole fruit with skin on for fiber
- Cooked protein such as chicken breast, drumsticks or wings
- Hard boiled eggs
- DIY sandwich station - fill a sealable container with deli meat, cheese, washed lettuce and sliced tomato for kids to build their own deli sandwich for lunch or snack. Include bread and tortillas too!
- Cooked brown rice and pasta to reheat
- Italian flag pasta sauce in your kids' favorite red, white or green - marinara, Alfredo or pesto
Little Cooks with Big Plans
Teaching independence is a gift to children that comes with responsibility too.
When preparing food for themselves and others, teach kids how to safely handle food by modeling and showing.
- Wash hands
- Santize surfaces
- Clean up as they go
- Handle protein with care
- Safe food zone - under 40 degrees F and above 140 degrees F
Tools of the Trade
Before creating your distance learning school lunch plan, give your kids a tour of the kitchen.
Invite them to open all the cupboards and drawers to discover what's inside.
Ask them to draw or write down what they find.
Place cutting boards, mixing bowls, plates, platters and measuring devices in one place where they can access what they need to prepare their meals.
Teach little cooks to clean as they go.
Place a wash tub in the sink or next to it for their meal prep and clean up.
Show them how to rinse their dishes and load them into the dishwasher or wash and dry by hand.
Teach children how to identify and carefully dispose of food waste, recycling and landfill garbage.
Share with them how each type is processed and impacts our environment.
Quick and Easy Kid-Friendly Hot Food Ideas
Egg cups - mix one egg with sprinkled cheese in a mug and microwave for one minute
Peanut butter and banana toast - spread all natural peanut butter on hot, toasted bread and smear or cut bananas to top
Care to Mingle?
Let’s connect over social media. Follow the fun on Pinterest and Instagram. Tag #satsumasmiles to share your creativity and I'll share back.
Distance Learning School Lunch Plan Printable
It's easy to create your own distance learning school lunch plan with my printable.
Simply click on the link below to download the document. Then print onto 8.5"x11" copy paper or card stock.
I prefer card stock for a 'living' document such as this as it wears under little hands for longer!
Distance Learning School Lunch Plan Printable (PDF)
Photos courtesy of Unsplash
HELLO THERE!
Today is a gift. Let's put a bow on it!
Find creative and sustainable ways to make family life a delight! Sharing modern etiquette that kids will enjoy.
💕 jennifer
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