Pack it up! Pack it in!

I was not sure if I should make a post or not about what containers to use for kid's lunches, but after some thought - I decided to go ahead with it. I realized how important presentation and organization is with food.... not only for adults, but for kids too.

There is so much choice for containers when it comes to packing a kids lunch. Different colors, sizes, designs, and materials - it's so hard to decide! Do you want to go plastic baggies and plastic wrap? Or do you want to use reusable containers and take the "garbage free" route?

Lately, Munch and I both have decided to take a more active role in being "green" with everything - and this means the garbage free lunch way. I went to my local environment friendly store and picked up a few containers. The first one is made of stainless steel and is sort of a bento box style (this is traditionally a container that holds everything all in one, snacks lunch and all). It has two layers, a lid, and clasps. This container is not leak proof but we have come up with a way to keep it from leaking - lining the bottom with a cloth or paper towel to absorb the extra fluid. In an effort to help with our "garbage free" initiative, my sister sewed us some absolutely adorable liners and napkins. This is a good example of a way to add special little touches to your kids lunch that make them more intriguing. Munch LOVES her Auntie's handmade things. You can see more of her handmade things here.

Here are some of the things Auntie made for Munch's lunch...

When I first came across the idea of the bento box, I thought that Munch wouldn't really go for it because I thought she would find it cumbersome to haul out her whole lunch for every single snack time as well as lunch. I assumed that when it was snack time she simply went to her backpack and pulled out her snack containers. But what I didn't realize is that all the kids grab their whole lunch box when it is snack time - so it didn't really matter. In fact, it worked to our benefit because now she finishes more of the food. If one snack is not enough, she will nibble on her lunch - and if the lunch isn't enough she will finish off her snack! It works great!

And to make it even more fun? I stuck some magnets on the stainless steel lid! I bought some magnetic words that are specifically for kids to make rhyming phrases or poems - Munch loves them and looks forward to discovering if her Mama can come up with something new and funny!
   
There are days though, that Munch needs a little more to eat so we bought a few more smaller containers to add in case she likes to have something extra. Munch likes to have things like yogurt and cottage cheese in these which works - because they are REALLY leak proof with their pp made lids. All of these containers are available in Guelph at the Footprints Eco Store - which is located downtown. Let me know how you pack it up!