Since the holiday season is officially over, it is again time to think about everything children need upon their return to school. Since we are fortunate enough to have the kiddos attending a school that requires uniforms, luckily our preparations are minimal. This year, post-holiday school-prep has centered mostly around how to get them to actually EAT the healthy lunches they are served.
Prior to Christmas break, we were paying for Jack and Emma to have healthy, warm lunches from school (Revoultion Foods), however we found that there were many days when, for whatever reason, they just did not eat much. When you are paying $3.50/day per child for lunch, they had better be enjoying (and eating) it!
Before Christmas, Tom and I decided that it was time again for Jack and Emma to don their lunch boxes and start bringing food from home. I knew that I wanted to find a way to pack their lunches that did not include consuming three or more plastic bags, and one that made eating lunch fun.
One day after Christmas, while the kiddos were in Toys R Us looking to redeem a gift certificate they had received, I happened down the lunch-box-isle. I figured I had better take a look since they were right in front of me. Low and behold, I found this little gem: the Sistema Slimline Quaddie Lunch Box. It's BPA free, microwave safe (not that we use the microwave), freezer safe, and has these amazing little compartments that you can place different foods in. I especially love the small water bottle that came with it. It is the perfect size for little hands and makes drinking water fun! (I mean look at it... it's like a little canteen!)
So we bought them... a green one for Jack and a pink one for Emma. They fit perfectly inside a traditional zip-up, handled lunch box, which makes life even easier.
Today, however, was the true test. The first day back after Christmas break and we were packing a healthy, green lunch. 
Packing lunch with the kiddos was a breeze. We filled it with a yummy (organic) peanut butter & fruit spread sandwich with fresh fruit and a few little organic crackers. Each had its own little compartment. No bags needed. The bottom of the box even has enough room for a separate drink, some extra snacks or a cold pack.
Surprisingly enough, the kiddos returned from school with all components of the Sistema lunch box intact AND they had eaten their entire lunch. (Except for a few pieces of fruit that Jack promptly finished when he got home).
I am one happy momma.
My kiddos are eating healthy while going green.
Learn more about the Sistema lunch box by visiting their website.
Meghan Hamilton is a co-owner and author of Fusion Early Learning. Meghan’s passion lies in educating young children in ways that excite and intrigue the learner, opening them up to a wider array of educational experiences. Meghan currently lives in Northern California with her husband and business partner Tom, and their two children Jack and Emma.
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