My 3-year-old and 5-year-old go to preschool Monday through Friday, so packing lunches is a frequent occurrence in my home, one that sometimes feels like a grind. ("Wait, my kids have to eat lunch every day?" I find myself joking.)
In addition to catering to their food preferences and needs (one of my kids is dairy-free), I aim to limit the amount of packaging and food waste packed lunches create. It's not always easy, but I've picked up some tips along the way. Below, find ways I make the process of preparing lunch more straightforward, while also reducing trash.
One important thing to note: All families have different budgets, time pressures and goals. We all do what works best for our families in the season of life we're in. While I try to avoid as much waste as I can, I do occasionally pick up highly packaged convenience foods. We do what we can!
I have yet to master traditional meal planning, but before grocery shopping I always scan my fridge, freezer and pantry. I make a list of what I have, the meals and snacks I need for the coming days, and what I need to buy. Check your spices and condiment staples, too. Not planning leads to overbuying, and then wasted food — and money! I write my list in the order I'll walk around the store to help avoid random, unnecessary purchases I might make if I'm wandering around. I also try to follow these guidelines:
If you're trying to reduce your lunchtime waste, invest in reusable containers and ditch the single-use plastic bags. Go all in and buy a stainless steel bento box, a Japanese-style lunch container with multiple compartments, or take baby steps by buying a selection of durable, reusable plastic containers.
If you're like me and trying to avoid plastic due to its energy-intensive production and potential toxins like BPA, look for other materials. Stainless steel is my favorite for lunches because it's indestructible and easy to clean, even if you accidentally leave your kid's lunch in a hot car over the weekend. Downsides are that stainless can't be put in a microwave and you can't see what's inside without opening it. Silicone and fabric bags can hold snacks. Wood, bamboo and composite containers are also available. Instead of single-use squeeze packs of applesauce, make your own applesauce — or buy a large container of it — and portion it into reusable pouches.
For stainless steel products, I like bento boxes from PlanetBox and containers from LunchBots and U-Konserve. Vermont-made Bee's Wrap is a good alternative to plastic cling wrap, and Squeasy Gear silicone snack pouches are easy to fill and clean.
Pack reusable utensils and a fabric napkin, and choose a washable, durable lunch box. If you have access to a fridge, avoid insulation and go for a simple canvas bag. If you need ice, freeze water in a metal flask or pick up a reusable ice pack.
Reducing food waste with kids isn't straightforward, but there are habits that can help dramatically cut back on how much food gets tossed.
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