As the kids get ready to go back to school, it’s time to learn how to ace lunch prep with Price Chopper and have the best school year yet! Follow our guide to easy meal prep, plus some pro-tips that’ll save you time and money when it comes to feeding your kids lunches they’ll love.
Find out what meals the kids like the most
One of the hardest things when it comes to planning lunches is sending the kids to school with something they actually want to eat. Our tip is to ask them what they like eating and what they don’t. This can be full meals or as simple as what they prefer for fruits, veggies, lunch meats and snack items. That way, you can find a balance between the meals they enjoy and making sure they have a nutritious lunch every time they open their lunchbox.
Use a meal planner to stay organized
Meal planners are a great way to stay organized, especially if your family has different dietary needs or preferences. You can download printable meal planners or use digital ones to keep track of weekly meals, grocery lists, future meals and anything else that helps you stay on top of meal prep.
Create a list of favorite recipes and food items
Similar to a meal planner, you can create a list of the kids’ favorite recipes and food items. This will make an easy reference when thinking about what meals to cook and what to pack in lunches that won’t go to waste. It’s like a cookbook made just for your family.
Plan meals weekly
Before you go to Price Chopper, use your meal planner to decide what to make that week. By deciding what to pack in lunches in advance, you can avoid the stress of figuring it out in the store, only purchase what you need and even use the weekly ad to help guide your meal plan. This will save you some of the cost of groceries, keep food waste lower and save time in the grocery store.
Prep as many items for the week as possible
After you get back from Price Chopper, prep as many items for the week as possible. This could mean preparing key elements of recipes like proteins and grains or chopping fruits and veggies — or the entire dish. Prepped food typically keeps in the refrigerator for 3-5 days but can vary depending on ingredients and preparation methods. Look at best practices for refrigerator timeframes or store items in the freezer to keep food fresher for longer.
No-sweat recipes
Now that you’ve read our Lunch Prep 101, you’re prepared to send the kids back to school with great lunches that don’t feel like a pop quiz. Test out your new meal prepping skills with these two recipes that the kids will love!
BUILD A BENTO BOX
For perfectly portioned, kid-friendly meals that make lunchtime fun, start packing lunches bento style!
