4 Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Lunches

"I know I packed your lunch--so what on earth did you eat today?"

Every day after school the kids and I clean out their backpacks, sign papers and empty out the lunch box.  There were days where not all of the food was eaten.  In fact, there days I wondered if my kids were eating at all!  Lots of food going to waste.  Mommy was not happy.

We learned a few things that helped prevent food waste in lunches:

1. Pack less.  I know, I know, a mother can't stand the thought of her child being hungry.  But, if your lunches are coming back with a lot of waste, try packing a half sandwich instead of a whole.  Then pack a half apple instead of a whole.  See what works.  No need to starve your angel.
2. Serve food in smaller or bite size portions.  For some reason, kids have no problem eating 5 mini muffins, but sometimes won't touch the full size muffin.  We'll call it the "cute factor".  Mini is super cute and way more fun to eat--whether it's mini pizzas or mini M&Ms. (Although I've never had a problem getting my kids to eat the USDA recommended serving of M&Ms or pizza.)
3. Re-pack uneaten food.  Be careful with this one.  Stick with food items that are shelf stable like trail mix or crackers.  One day I put trail mix in the kids' lunch.  The trail mix came back with all the M&Ms picked out.  Guess what I put in their lunch the next day?  Recycled trail mix.  With no M&Ms.
4. Ask for your child's help.  They can tell you what they like to eat or what the trendy veggie of the week is. They also may be avoiding something you pack because "brown apples taste bad".  Listen to your kids and they'll help you pack the perfect lunch.