I love a good plan, especially one that delivers a great week of meals that bring smiles to everyone's face. But when I get to the weekend, it's nice to be more flexible. We've learned (the hard way) to have things on hand just in case we don't feel like going out and don't have leftovers in the fridge.
But the kids still love Snack Lunch – they ask for it by name. And really it's just a little bit of this, and a little big of that, which all adds up to a well-balanced meal. Some call it scraps, or a smorgasbord, but we call it Snack Lunch.
I think they love it because they love snacks, so having a whole lunch of snacks sounds awesome. I guess.
So, this was our Snack Lunch this past weekend.
We mix it up every time – no Snack Lunch ever looks the same (and the element of surprise means more fun too). Here's some ideas to include:
Vegetables: carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, a little salad
Fruit: apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, berries, raisins
Protein: nuts, almond or peanut butter, hummus
Whole Grains: usually a whole grain cracker
Some days, when my preschooler is home while big brother is at school, we have Fancy Snack Lunch – which means we'll get out the fancy plates and serve them up like fancy appetizers. She's a big Fancy Nancy fan so this goes a long way towards her finishing a meal.
I know we're not the only ones doing Snack Lunch, what do you guys call it at your home?
Our kids need to eat, whether we're prepared to feed them or not. Some days it would be great if meals just created themselves, but let's get real. At Feed Our Families we'll share new ideas, recipes and inspiration to help make meals happen in your home. 
We love snack lunch too. In fact, this weekend, I set up some snacks for the kids (both had friends over) before I had to leave for work. I sliced up some apples and pears, rinsed some grapes (can you believe our farmer’s market still has grapes?), laid out some sliced cheese, salami and ham, and put some chips in a bowl. Then, the kids could help themselves – I got a thumbs up report when I got home.
That’s great, Michelle. I’ve never had a complaint on Snack Lunch. And it’s so easy (just don’t tell the kids!).
We call it supper!
With a 2 and 4 yr old, and my husband working 2nd shift, many suppers are this way for the 3 of us at home. They love it, I love it! They usually end up eating a more balanced and healthy meal then if I made a “real” meal, and no big mess to clean up!
It’s funny, I do this exact thing when we adventure out of our house for a playdate and I pack their lunch. I fill the bag a combination of dry snacks and fruit snacks. I never really thought to offer it at home, and it sounds a whole lot easier!!!
LOVE this idea. LOVE your blog!
Thanks Hillary. I’m so happy you’re here and sharing with the group. Thanks again!
Those are real healthy snack lunch you prepared. I love making snack lunch too but my kid hates carrots don’t know why.
Carol – Have you tried to make them sweet? When I was young, I loved carrots sauteed with some butter and brown sugar. Or, maybe a try a dip like hummus?