Anonymous wrote:I'm Puerto Rican and used to be embarrassed by the flan and leftover rice and beans in my lunches.

Lol ha I know what u mean my kid is 3 so I think I can get away with it this year. : )

Rice, seaweed packet, and whatever leftover meat we had the night before, plus other things.

Anonymous wrote:Do you send meals that are meant to be eaten warm even though the kid can't heat them?

I send meals that are usually eaten warm, but it's not a big deal if they aren't warm. It's like how you can eat pizza or fried chicken cold as well as warm. If you have a kid who won't eat warm items cold, then of course you have to figure something else out.

Anonymous wrote:In my country there was no idea of a "packed lunch". at lunchtime we would go outside and pick fruits and vegetables from the surrounding school farm for our lunch. Once a week, from middle school onward, we would participate in the slaughter of a lamb or sheep, which we would process and would provide our protein for the week.

I was 23 the first time I saw a zip-lock bag. I will never forget just opening and closing it, again and again. Such a wonder!

Wow. That's really interesting. Where are you from??

Do you send meals that are meant to be eaten warm even though the kid can't heat them?

I'm Indian and I just pack leftovers from dinner. Most of the food I make is vegan so it's not a big deal if it's at room temp until lunchtime.

My H is Italian and it is running joke in their family about their lunches being huge Italian meals.

I'm Puerto Rican and used to be embarrassed by the flan and leftover rice and beans in my lunches.

In my country there was no idea of a "packed lunch". at lunchtime we would go outside and pick fruits and vegetables from the surrounding school farm for our lunch. Once a week, from middle school onward, we would participate in the slaughter of a lamb or sheep, which we would process and would provide our protein for the week.

I was 23 the first time I saw a zip-lock bag. I will never forget just opening and closing it, again and again. Such a wonder!

Also, cold cut meats are processed and not a good option f you want to eat meat.

I haven't started packing lunchboxes yet (still in preschool), but I plan to do a mix of Indian/American. For example:

Brown rice and quinoa mixed with corn, green beans (sauteed in butter) with a side of black bean soup and fruit.
Masala Oats mixed with vegetables with a side of plain yogurt and fruit.
PB&J sandwich with a side of vegetables and a piece of fruit.
Chicken Salad Sandwich with a piece of fruit.
Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas with a side of vegetable and a piece of fruit.
Home made pizza.


So yeah, I don't see non American menu in my examples above. Also, I have to figure out how much they will be able to finish in 30 minutes and convenience factor. A lot of this is what I think NOW, depending upon real experience I could be planning a different menu. Also, my kids eat Indian food all the time but in the day they have lunch with their nanny, so lunch is delicious but never Indian.

Anonymous wrote:Was just looking at the post about lunchables. People generally seem to pack similar things, and I was wondering what parents from other countries pack instead of PBJ, cold cuts, hummus, etc. Looking to expand my repertoire.

I'm American and I don't pack sandwiches, lunch meat or hummus ever.

The lunches I send in consist of:

1. A fresh fruit of vegetable (Apple, berries, banana, peach, cherries, celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc)

2. Main entree (Mac n cheese, pasta, sliders, hot dog or corn dog, chicken, pizza etc)

3. A treat (string cheese, yogurt, cookies, crackers, chips, piece of candy etc)

4. A drink (juice, water or milk)

This may change based on what he asks for. He just started eating lunch last year. He used to never touch any of the food I sent in. I'm thrilled that he will actually eat now, so I try to keep a good variety/balance to encourage him to continue eating lunch at school. I also let him buy from time to time.

family is colombian you could try empanadas, you can buy the discs, in frozen section of international or latino store and fill them with virtually anything, and bake (or fry).

i love naan bread and sometimes make a pizza

or quesadillas/burritos are good can make with cheese and veggies beans rice or salad on side

my son loves rice (coconut rice-sub coconut milk for half the water) and beans topped with a little sour cream salad on side

veggie/hummus wrap with olives cucumbers Mediterranean style and falafel

School cafeteria on France provided balanced, hot meals. Normally included things like grated carrots, followed by chicken, veggies and rice, followed by a piece of cheese or yogurt, then a piece of fruit.

Was just looking at the post about lunchables. People generally seem to pack similar things, and I was wondering what parents from other countries pack instead of PBJ, cold cuts, hummus, etc. Looking to expand my repertoire.