lunch ideas for 2.5 yr old's daycare

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

My 2.5 year old just started daycare last week. While he was at home with the nanny he mainly ate left-overs (ethnic foods as we are a mixed family). Last week, one day I sent rice and chicken, some chick-peas and he did not eat. the remainder of the week I sent bread and cream-cheese sandwich (he ate ~ half of his lunch!).

I am wondering what people send for the kid's lunches?

thanks and looking forward to the suggestions!

[Anonymous]

I have a 2 year old and often get half his lunch returned to me because he didn't eat it.
Some of the things I have sent that he will eat are:
Macaroni and cheese
Any kind of pasta with spaghetti sauce
Cheese in a tortilla
Carrots with ranch dressing
Chicken nuggets with ketchup (he likes dipping things)
Applesauce or fruit
PB&J sandwich

Usually if I send leftovers from dinner, he won't eat it. I think he's going through a picky stage right now. He seems to only want to drink milk and eat crackers or fruit snacks.

I hope some others post some ideas!

[Anonymous]

Great thread!

I send:

-fruit cups / applesauce
-chicken teriyaki with noodles and sauteed onions
-trader joe's mini ravioli and mini tortellini in olive oil with parmesan
-quesadillas (they don't reheat very well, though)
-steamed broccoli florets over couscous with grated cheese
-steamed or roasted carrots (my guy is only 1, can't do raw yet)
-pita wiches (pita with cheese and ham / turkey wrapped inside)
-baked squash w/ bread crumbs and parmesan cheese

I've noticed that DS hates leftovers too; I wonder if they reheat poorly?

[Anonymous]

op here, I got some ideas from the following:
http://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/lunch/healthy-school-lunches-snacks/?page=1