Stories to fuel your mind

How to Lighten the Lunch-Packing Mental Load

Make-ahead ideas that don’t require hours of prep, a trick for preventing soggy sandwiches, and an argument for school lunch.

Corrie Evanoff

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

School is back in session—are you already sweating at the prospect of coming up with a healthy lunch for your kid that they’ll actually eat... daily? First, take a beat and consider the option of retiring from lunch-packing duties—even for a few days a week. After that, challenge yourself to get your child more involved in their own meal prep, brush up on kid-friendly foods that don’t need an icepack, and arm yourself with easy hacks to keep those sandwiches dry, bananas bright yellow, and water bottles from sweating through the bag.

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‘How Long Can Yogurt Be in a Lunch Box?’ and Other School Lunch Questions, Answered

How long will ranch dressing stay fresh in a lunchbox? Will fried food or condiments on sandwiches get soggy? These are only a few of the many questions parents should ask themselves when thinking about what to put inside their child’s lunch box.

How to Get Kids to Eat a Healthy Lunch? Give Them Some Control.

Get kids involved in what goes into their lunchbox, and make it a fun project

7 Shelf-Stable School Lunches Kids’ll Actually Eat

No refrigerator or ice pack necessary.

The Easiest Way to Prevent a Soggy Sandwich

No one likes mushy bread, use these tips to keep your sandwich in tip-top shape for longer.

15 School Lunch Ideas For When You Feel Like Giving Up

These school lunch ideas for parents are balanced, fun, and kid-approved. Plus how much protein, carbs, and fruits and vegetables to include in a kid's lunch.

BONUS READ: More Kids’ Lunchbox Ideas via Feel Good Foodie.

It’s Okay to Feed Your Kids the Same Lunch Every Day

A lunch your child will eat is a good lunch.

The Best Labels for Kids School Gear

Customized labels are a cute and convenient way to help kids keep track of their own stuff—and get things back when they’re lost.

5 Proven Tips to Get Your Child’s Lunch Box Odor- and Stain-Free

How to keep their lunch boxes fresh.

Why I Retired From Packing Lunch

Kids don’t need squash cut into star shapes in their $60 stainless steel (not dishwasher safe!) lunchbox to know they are loved. They can eat off cafeteria trays and still get into a good college, or at least not grow up to be serial killers. #TeamSchoolLunch forever.

Want More? Here’s How to Make Life Easier During Back-to-School Chaos

Minimize the stress of the season and set your family up for a smarter school year.

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