Elementary lunchbox questions

[felicity]

What containers do you use for putting the food in? Bento style or something else?

DS has an old Yumbox he used in preschool, but it needs a new insert and not sure if I really want to commit to a bento style box again. I do like that it would be easy for him to open and see everything (he'll be in 1st), but they are so expensive and takes up a lot of room in the dishwasher. 

He's fairly picky so will probably be mostly taking things like cheese and crackers or sandwiches with chips. I can't think of anything runny or very messy that I'll send. Is there a good inexpensive option that is just some compartments with a snap on lid, not a whole bento contraption with an insert?

[boiler717]

I really like sistema containers. We mostly use the sandwich boxes and the 2 compartment snack ones. I prep the snack ones ahead of time with fruit and veggie on each side.

[af1212]

I use laptop lunches. They have an outer shell and then inner boxes with lids (or without if you don’t need one).

I like:
That they are very flexible - can use different boxes o different days based on what the kid is having for lunch.

They are super lightweight

Kid can open everything themselves

Since the containers are all separate they fit easily in the dishwasher

Don’t need to wash the shell every day - we just rinse it and dry - but can go in the dishwasher if needed (we usually do 1x or 2x a week)

Can replace just one piece if need one or just want to change up colors or whatever

We have used it since my now 11 yo was in preschool and then got more pieces for my younger 2 kids.

Just looked and I forgot the company changed their name to Bentology - bentology.com/store/

[AdaraMarie]

I used very cheap containers from ikea, like a 20 piece set for $5, so I didn't have to worry about them getting thrown away by accident. We have also used disposable or reusible sandwich/snack bags which were fine for them to open and eat from, but my little one couldn't close the reusable ones.
Our schools are doing free lunch (FDA funded) for everyone again this year, maybe yours is too? I do not miss packing lunch.

[urbancowgirl]

DS has used these since preschool. They fit perfectly in his lunch box. I like that I can put them in the dishwasher, although I hand wash the lids because I worry about them shrinking. I also like that they’re cheap enough that I don’t care if one gets lost, lol. www.amazon.com/dp/B00WALEOC2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_E6AB9J9E1HZBYGPSK17Q

[Dznyprnces]

Jul 31, 2021 18:53:04 GMT -5 urbancowgirl said:

DS has used these since preschool. They fit perfectly in his lunch box. I like that I can put them in the dishwasher, although I hand wash the lids because I worry about them shrinking. I also like that they’re cheap enough that I don’t care if one gets lost, lol. www.amazon.com/dp/B00WALEOC2/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_E6AB9J9E1HZBYGPSK17Q

My kids and I use sistema containers. However, I teach preschool and a lot of kids use the containers like these, or something similar (ziploc makes a very similar one also).

[isabel]

Jul 31, 2021 16:58:15 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

I really like sistema containers. We mostly use the sandwich boxes and the 2 compartment snack ones. I prep the snack ones ahead of time with fruit and veggie on each side.

I like Sistema containers too. This is what I used for both kids prior to getting Bentgo boxes. But packing a main, chips/crackers, fruit, and veg used enough containers that it honestly took up as much room or more as the Bentgo trays. I didn't use anything individually packed though. I put everything into a container.

DS1 is going into first and we are using a Bentgo Kids box and tray. In hindsight, I would have purchased the Bentgo Fresh, which has three compartments and a divider to separate the largest one. It holds more volume than the Kids version and isn't as restrictive in terms of the size/dimensions of the compartments. I think I'll probably switch over to those at some point. I can see myself continuing to use them for both kids for as long as they'll tolerate them. It makes my life easier. I like putting everything into one container and it's just one thing to throw in the dishwasher and put away, as opposed to multiple containers with lids.

[VillainV]

Bentgo. I like that I’m not using a million baggies.

[sdlaura]

My kids buy their lunches - and now they are free! Not sure what your situation is, but if you have a kid going into public elementary, you don’t need to pack lunches unless you want to.

[redheadbaker]

We use Rubbermaid Lunch Blocks www.amazon.com/dp/B0078K416Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[heygrey]

we used a yumbox for 4 years of daycare and then I found a Planet Box at a thrift store. Love the Planet Box, not sure I would spend the $60+ for a one new. I will stick with a bento style for elementary (ds is going into grade 2). I do classroom supervision during lunch time as part of my job - kids struggle with individual little containers and I'm constantly finding lids on the floor and trying to match them up with their bottoms.

[felicity]

AdaraMarie, sdlaura, I hadn't really thought about school lunches since DS has a bunch of food allergies and is picky, and I was nervous about dealing with that on top of him starting in person school this year. He is in public school and they are doing the free lunch program, which I knew they were doing grab and go things over the summer but hadn't put together that it was for hot lunches during the school year too! Now I'm going to call them because I'll totally consider it if it's free.

[magpie]

I just use lots of tiny little storage containers and toss them in a lunchbox with an ice pack. I have a sandwich sized container for sandwiches (or more likely tortilla roll ups). Been doing this for years.

I like these ones from target because they have easy, twist off lids and can hold things like applesauce and yogurt without leaking:
www.target.com/p/twist-and-store-round-food-storage-container-6ct-4-fl-oz-up-38-up-8482/-/A-75663601#lnk=sametab

[AdaraMarie]

Aug 1, 2021 5:44:21 GMT -5 felicity said:

AdaraMarie, sdlaura, I hadn't really thought about school lunches since DS has a bunch of food allergies and is picky, and I was nervous about dealing with that on top of him starting in person school this year. He is in public school and they are doing the free lunch program, which I knew they were doing grab and go things over the summer but hadn't put together that it was for hot lunches during the school year too! Now I'm going to call them because I'll totally consider it if it's free.

My 3rd grader also is picky and has food allergies, ha ha. It works ok for us, but her allergies are things they don't serve in school lunch (peanut, tree nut, shellfish). I'm sure other allergies are harder to feel safe about or harder to avoid. I do know you can potentially get special ed type accommodations if your kid medically needs a special diet, not sure about allergies are includedsince we didn'tneed that. Also the "cashier" at the school had a screen that showed their picture and allergies when they put in their lunch number.
Our school has had an app that gives the menu every day/week. The one they used when my dd was in K & 1st was really good because it listed all the allergens including "may contains". The one they used last year wasn't as thorough, but still gave the menu and allergens.
They also have 2-3 choices at my kids' schools so picky kids had a little choice.
Pre-covid I would send in a box of safe treats for her teacher to keep she could have something if someone brought in birthday cupcakes. Last year they didn't allow it and it was great! I hope they keep that rule.

Good luck!

[luv2rn4fun]

I just used old Tupperware for the sandwich last year. Then he had a pouch, cheese stick, and package of fig bars (for his snack).

I did see some bento style containers for kids lunches at Walmart. They were only about $5 and looked pretty good. I might buy two of those for the boys (or just DS1, not sure if DS2 will be staying for lunch since he’s only in TK and everything is different with COVID).

[felicity]

Aug 1, 2021 7:53:53 GMT -5 AdaraMarie said:

Aug 1, 2021 5:44:21 GMT -5 felicity said:

AdaraMarie, sdlaura, I hadn't really thought about school lunches since DS has a bunch of food allergies and is picky, and I was nervous about dealing with that on top of him starting in person school this year. He is in public school and they are doing the free lunch program, which I knew they were doing grab and go things over the summer but hadn't put together that it was for hot lunches during the school year too! Now I'm going to call them because I'll totally consider it if it's free.

My 3rd grader also is picky and has food allergies, ha ha. It works ok for us, but her allergies are things they don't serve in school lunch (peanut, tree nut, shellfish). I'm sure other allergies are harder to feel safe about or harder to avoid. I do know you can potentially get special ed type accommodations if your kid medically needs a special diet, not sure about allergies are includedsince we didn'tneed that. Also the "cashier" at the school had a screen that showed their picture and allergies when they put in their lunch number.
Our school has had an app that gives the menu every day/week. The one they used when my dd was in K & 1st was really good because it listed all the allergens including "may contains". The one they used last year wasn't as thorough, but still gave the menu and allergens.
They also have 2-3 choices at my kids' schools so picky kids had a little choice.
Pre-covid I would send in a box of safe treats for her teacher to keep she could have something if someone brought in birthday cupcakes. Last year they didn't allow it and it was great! I hope they keep that rule.

Good luck!

This is really helpful. Ours does appear to have PB&J as one of the alternatives which he is allergic to but I'll have to see what else they offer, or maybe just have him get it on days where I know he'll eat the main thing. He's allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, flax, and coconut. His school doesn't allow birthday treats thank goodness. That would drive me crazy. The summer school menu I just looked up honestly sounds terrible, so I need to see if it's any better for the regular school year. I remember as a kid that pizza was always an alternative option but I'm guessing that's not the norm anymore?

[ssmjlm]

We use the basic 3 section ziploc and a lunchbox from target. We like the lunchboxes that have a strap that can clip on/off.

I have some silicone cupcake liners for the larger section if needed.

My kid doesn’t like sandwiches, so we do a more lunchable style lunch.

[steamboat185]

We do a yumbox. I just upgraded to the bigger size for my kid going into 3rd grade. I do use smaller containers sometimes, but the kids get so little time to eat already I feel bad making her open 3-4 different containers and close them (plus all the dishes). We do also have several stasher bags a d those work very well to hold a snack or the occasional odd shaped food item.

Lunch is free however the meals they served last year were not great it was a rotating mess if like 8 meals (and a lot of nachos). The prior years they had been pretty good so I’m hoping maybe they can move back to something healthier.

[jackie011]

Related question- is there a square or rectangular container like a thermos jar? We have 2 of those that I fill with boiling water each morning and then I put in DS’ warm main dish. He doesn’t like that pizza (for example) gets all clumpy because it’s a jar. I’m picturing something with latches like a Sistema container, but thermal/steel. I’ve searched a lot of places 😖

[lauralala]

DS is 11 now, and I have been packing lunches since he was 2.5. We have used pretty much everything out there, but in the end I simplified a lot. I usually send a sandwich, fruit, and a bar of some sort. I use sandwich containers, small rectangle containers for fruit, and the bar and juice box fit into a standard lunch box pretty neatly. Ziploc also makes smaller containers about half the size of the rectangles if you wanted a smaller portion, or to put cheese and one and crackers in the other. They hold up well and I do not get upset if a lid gets lost, the whole things gets thrown out, whatever.

Sandwich container

Ziploc rectangles

[moonpie]

I use the yumbox panino. I have two that I rotate so that washing them is easier. I like that they are bento style yet still fit a full sandwich.

I use thermos funtainers for warm food.

[AdaraMarie]

Aug 1, 2021 8:38:31 GMT -5 felicity said:

I remember as a kid that pizza was always an alternative option but I'm guessing that's not the norm anymore?

I think our alternative option is bean burrito, somtimes fruit and yogurt. They have pizza day on Wednesdays and that was almost the only day my kids got to have hot lunch before it was free.

[felicity]

Aug 1, 2021 15:14:25 GMT -5 AdaraMarie said:

Aug 1, 2021 8:38:31 GMT -5 felicity said:

I remember as a kid that pizza was always an alternative option but I'm guessing that's not the norm anymore?

I think our alternative option is bean burrito, somtimes fruit and yogurt. They have pizza day on Wednesdays and that was almost the only day my kids got to have hot lunch before it was free.

Oh man DS would be in heaven if bean burritos were a regular thing. It seems so random for a 6 year old to me, but that's one of his favorite alternative things at home when he doesn't want what we're having, which is pretty often. 

[SusanBAnthony]

We had planet box which lasted for 5+ years but did leak between compartments.

We switched to bentgo and have been happy with them overall because the compartments don't leak, but they are a pain to wash.

The older my kids get the less I care about their lunches, and I'm moving more towards just prepackaged everything and same lunch every day- fruit cup, granola bar, and veg as the only fresh thing. Tracking down the lunch containers is just a pain.

[hbomdiggity]

I don’t try to keep anything cold or warm and my incoming 1st grader is not into bento style lunches. He eats a full pbj which I put in an aluminum tin so it doesn’t get squished. This and everything else (applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, goldfish) go into a reusable lunch sack.

[redpenmama]

My daughter is going into 5th grade, and we are still using the Bentgo we got when she was in kindergarten. My 2nd grader uses one as well.

[DarcyLongfellow]

I use whatever assortment of plastic containers fits well in the lunchbox she's using that year. I've used and really liked the Rubbermaid Lunch Blox in years past -- both the set with the small square container and the set with the larger rectangular container.

Last year she took soup every day, so I used the PB Kids "hot and cold container" -- www.potterybarnkids.com/products/mackenzie-pink-sparkle-glitter-hot-cold-container/?pkey=chot%20and%20cold.

[sdlaura]

My kids are also picky, but less so at school. The peer pressure/limited availability leads to them eating things at school that they'd never eat at home. It makes my life so much easier to pack fewer lunches and clean fewer lunch packing items We still have to pack everyday for our preschooler, and use a PlanetBox we've had forever.