Hot Meals for a Lunchbox

Preparing your child's lunch typically consists of packing non-perishable foods as it is hard to keep hot foods hot. Your child needn't settle for the school cafeteria to enjoy a hot lunch. Lunch boxes with insulation are readily available. Pack an age-appropriate lunch that includes hot entrees in an insulated lunchbox or a thermos, also an ideal option.

  1. Preschoolers

    • Prepare bite-sized hot foods for preschoolers. Keep food like chicken fingers warm by wrapping the chicken in foil and placing inside an insulated lunchbox or thermos. Chop up chicken fingers or turkey dogs so kids can eat with their hands. Send warm cooked vegetables in tiny plastic containers. At this age, using the thermos for liquids such as soup is not a good idea as preschoolers will likely make a big mess.

    Elementary School

    • Children in elementary school can also have easy, bite-sized portions of hot foods, such as chicken fingers or fish sticks, but include utensils if they would prefer to use them. Include dipping sauces such as mustard and barbecue sauce for hot meats. You could also include a warm caramel dip for dipping fruits into. Make sure that the dip is piping hot when you pack the lunch in the morning so that it will still be warm by lunchtime. Include hot vegetables with a light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

    Middle School

    • By middle school, kids can eat pretty much anything without making a huge mess, so feel free to pack hot soups and chili on cold winter days in the thermos. You still want to pack healthy foods that are simple to eat and prepare. Pack hot vegetables that you know your child will eat, comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese, (use low-fat cheeses and whole grain pasta for added nutrition) or mashed potatoes. You can also create a make-it-yourself-burger or sandwich kit. Pack the hamburger bun or sandwich bread separately, put the burger or hot filling in the thermos or wrapped in foil and lettuce, tomato and condiment packets and a slice of cheese. If your child is picky, offer two different options for a sandwich such as a sloppy joe or tuna melt. The child can then assemble the sandwich using the toppings they want.

    High School

    • High school kids tend to not want to bring a school lunch, but if you can persuade them to, pack something sophisticated that will not make them feel childish. If your high schooler enjoys sushi, pack a sushi bento box, with packets of soy sauce. Another idea is to pack leftovers from last night's dinner, such as your specialty lasagna or baked chicken. Pack her a sophisticated Greek salad or an Asian chicken salad. Try to pack foods that aren't babyish, with complex flavors and perhaps earn some cool points for providing the best lunch in the cafeteria.

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