What’s On Your Playlist during National School Lunch Week

Did you know that next week (October 14-18^th) is National School Lunch Week (NSLW)?

President John F. Kennedy started NSLW in 1962 and this week’s purpose is to celebrate the benefits lunch provides to our nation’s young student body. Many schools participate by decorating their cafeterias and catering students with a special menu among other activities. The National School Lunch Program provides healthy and nutritious meals to over 30 million students daily.

Before we delve into this year’s school lunch week theme… let’s talk about the importance of lunch.The benefits of feeding your child(ren) a healthy meal each day ensures proper growth, adequate nutrition, and increases their attention and productivity in the classroom. Encourage your child to get involved with the celebration of lunch by joining in on their school’s activities and teaching them why nutrition matters.

Theme of The Week

This year, the theme is “School Lunch: What’s on Your Playlist”, which highlights more choices and personalization of meals for students. The point of this theme is to get your child(ren) more involved in what they are eating. Here are some tips for how you can participate in the campaign to increase your child and other children’s involvement!

Participate in your child’s school activities for the week
Promote NSLW on your social media to raise awareness for your fellow parents
Connect with your child’s teachers to help spread the word and enhance the academic experience

5 Delicious Lunch “Playlists”

If you and/or your child prefer to bring lunch from home, don’t worry – you can still participate in this week! It’s all about encouraging your child to get involved with picking out their meal, which they can do at home or in the cafeteria.

Looking for some fun lunch ideas? Check out my list below of 6 delicious lunch “playlists” perfect to try with your child!

1. Hummus + pita bread.This can be perfect for meatless Mondays or if your child is a vegetarian. All you have to do is spread a layer of hummus (whatever flavor they like) on the bread and viola you’re done. If you’re child is more adventurous – try adding some spinach, raw peppers and onions or any other vegetable they like.

2. Pasta salad.Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad? Start with your choice of pasta – whole wheat, chickpea pasta or other vegetable pasta options can all work! Add tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, olives and shaved carrots. Top with Italian dressing – or make your own dressing with olive oil, pepper, and parsley!

3. Turkey + cheese wrap.You can never go wrong with a wrap. Take a whole what wrap, start with a layer of turkey then add cheese, lettuce, and tomato slice. Finish with some hummus, avocado or additional flavor or a little bit of mayo.

4. Grilled salmon + veggies.Salmon can be a little adventurous for a school-aged kid, but if they are willing to try it – then go for it, this is a great lunch! You can cook the salmon the night before to keep it easy before school and add whatever your child’s favorite veggies are!

5. Chicken avocado salad.I love anything with a little avocado in it, and you’d be surprised, some kids do too – which is why this is a great lunch. Put the chicken salad on a roll/wrap or send them with whole wheat chips to dip into it – either way, it’ll taste great!

Whatever you do next week, get creative with your child! Encourage them to make or add their own touch to their lunch to get them involved.

If you search the hashtag #NSLW19 on social media, you’ll find several resources you can use to get involved with your local community in celebrating school lunch!

Your Turn To Take Action:How will you celebrate National School Lunch Week? Let me know in the comments below!