As another new school year begins at Building Blocks Early Learning Center, many parents at our day care in Stamford CT and Stamford preschool learning center have approached us with the same question: “What kind of lunches should I pack for my child to bring to their childcare learning center?”
As we all know, lunch time is very important for re-energizing our children mid-day so that they can run, jump, play and, most importantly, learn. Bologna sandwiches in the lunchbox just aren’t cutting it anymore. There’s a strong focus today on making sure our children are eating healthy when they are away from home and at their Stamford preschool learning center or school. Unfortunately, as working parents, we don’t always have a ton of time in the mornings to make super intricate mid-day meals. Thus, there must be a balance between quick and easy, healthy and nutritious and portable.
Because we’re parents too, we’ve dealt with this dilemma first-hand. After a little bit of trial and error, we’ve found a couple of great ideas to share.
Day Care in Stamford CT: Fun New Lunch Ideas
A New Spin on Sandwiches
Sandwiches don’t have to be limited to boring lunch meats or PB&J. (Remember, at our day care in Stamford CT, we’re a nut-free facility!) They’re very portable and extremely easy to whip up in the morning. Plus, we’ve come across a couple of really great sandwich ideas that children love. Try surprising your child by placing these in their lunchbox, along with a special note from you.
- Veggie cream cheese and cucumbers
- Tuna salad and sliced tomato
- Hummus and chopped peppers
- Apple butter and apple slices
- Whipped cream cheese and blueberries
- The Laughing Cow spreadable cheese, ham and grated carrots
- Jam and cream cheese
Beyond the Bread
These next ideas have all the makings of a delicious sandwich, except for the traditional two slices of bread!
- Lunch meat wraps: wrap together your child’s favorite lunch meats with a slice of cheese, and hold it together with a pretzel stick!
- Pitas stuffed with chicken: Stuff grilled chicken strips and veggies inside some healthy pita pockets for a different approach to the traditional sandwich.
- Bagel with salmon: Bagels always make great sandwiches. Pack one half in your child’s lunchbox with salmon, cream cheese and raisins.
- Wraps: Sandwich wraps are a healthy alternative to bread. Fill the wrap with anything your child likes to eat in a regular sandwich, or make a burrito!
Take a look at this link for some more lunchtime recipes that kids love.
These are just a few great ideas that are out there. We’d love to hear from all of you with any other portable, easy and nutritious lunch ideas that your child enjoys. Please share your favorite recipes with our Stamford preschool learning center teachers!
Rose, 
