Earth Fare’s Itty Bitty Bites Kids’ Healthy Meal

What’s on your kid’s school lunch menu this week?  Probably not the freshest, healthiest options! And, if your kid is like most every other kid, then pizza or chicken nuggets trumps any other food choice.  Can you blame them?  What kid doesn’t love pizza or chicken nuggets?! 

If most school cafeteria meals offer unhealthy choices, the real question is this - is it possible for kids to eat healthy in schools?

Earth Fare knows the answer is YES.  Here’s how:

1. Check the lunch menu at the beginning of the week with your children.
   Instead of letting the kids choose their meals for that day in the cafeteria (for they WILL choose the pizza), review the weekly menu ahead of time, and ask your kids what they would choose.  Use the review time as a chance to educate your kids, and explain why the healthier options will help them be strong and ready for school!
2. Educate your kids about vending machines, and don’t allow them to buy from them! 
   Worse than school lunches are probably the vending machines with sodas and snacks laden with high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats and artificial colors and flavors!
3. If the school lunch menu does not look healthy, try packing a lunch!
   Use leftovers from a last night’s healthy dinner.  Create sandwiches with lean meats and fresh veggies. Or, you could even make an organic PB & J sandwich.  Pack fresh fruit as a snack with other healthy snacks, organic juice or money for milk.  Add a special note, and the lunch will be even more fun! 
4. Busy?  Count on Earth Fare! 
   If you get too busy, pick up an Itty Bitty Bites Kids’ Healthy Meal at your local Earth Fare.  With this meal, YOU can rest assured that lunch is healthy, and your kid will look forward to lunch!  With the bright bag, trading cards and delicious options, your kid will be the envy of the other students.  Double win, no? 
5. Cook with the kids at home, and teach them about the ingredients! 
   No matter what you are preparing, see it as a shared activity with the kids.  Get them in the kitchen, and talk to them about all the fresh ingredients that you are using.  Seeing where their food comes from will help kids think about what they are eating.  Seeing the fresh ingredients deliciously come together is fun for them!

What do YOU do to ensure your kids are eating healthy at school?   Tell us and help others who are reading this!