Re:1748 I just have to agree that the school lunches
- Thread starter denice
- Start date
buonappetito
Well-known member
Yes, pretty tragic but what is worse ...
are the number of phenomenal programs out there for school nutrition that go unused.
I am currently teaching children's weight loss programs and did a lot of research into the current programs and resources out there. I was surprised at the amazing state wide and national programs available to schools and parents (free).
The kids I teach have horrible food records, in part due to the school lunch programs but you would be surprised at the lunches from home too.
are the number of phenomenal programs out there for school nutrition that go unused.
I am currently teaching children's weight loss programs and did a lot of research into the current programs and resources out there. I was surprised at the amazing state wide and national programs available to schools and parents (free).
The kids I teach have horrible food records, in part due to the school lunch programs but you would be surprised at the lunches from home too.
I see what some of my sons' classmates have for lunch, and some of it is
revolting. Without getting into the "food" the cafeteria makes, it is sad to see what some of the kids bring from home.
The best home-brought lunches I see are the kids who bring bento boxes - everything looks so wonderful, fresh and delicious!
My son take a very simple lunch - sliced ham or turkey, a slice of wheat bread, apple/orange, carrot sticks, and somthing crunchy like pretzels, goldfish crackers, or graham crackers. Once in a blue moon, I put a cookie in. smileys/smile.gif
Do your kids actually eat their lunch? I would say my son finishes his only about 30% of the time. I've eaten with him before, and have to remind him that just because the bell rings for the next group of kids to come to the cafeteria, doesn't mean he has to put his lunch away. He is usually in a big hurry to get to the play ground.
revolting. Without getting into the "food" the cafeteria makes, it is sad to see what some of the kids bring from home.
The best home-brought lunches I see are the kids who bring bento boxes - everything looks so wonderful, fresh and delicious!
My son take a very simple lunch - sliced ham or turkey, a slice of wheat bread, apple/orange, carrot sticks, and somthing crunchy like pretzels, goldfish crackers, or graham crackers. Once in a blue moon, I put a cookie in. smileys/smile.gif
Do your kids actually eat their lunch? I would say my son finishes his only about 30% of the time. I've eaten with him before, and have to remind him that just because the bell rings for the next group of kids to come to the cafeteria, doesn't mean he has to put his lunch away. He is usually in a big hurry to get to the play ground.
dawn_mo
Well-known member
I see the same thing with my son, but he is pretty good about eating his lunch...
he usually gets a half a turkey or cheese sandwich (on multi grain bread, a small plastic refillable container of some sort of crunch ( I can control his portion this way), his favorite is "mix", a fruit roll-up of some sort, and a box of apple juice. He of course always has a bottle of water he can drink. I used to try and put fruit or some veggies in there, but he never ate them, so those now are his snack when he gets home. However, I have been known to put a lunchable in his lunch, maybe once a month max, just for a surprise for him.
I used to be very judgemental of people who didn't make everything fresh for their kids and used convenience foods, but not anymore. Taking care of my stepdaughter's 3 kids and my own son, 4 days a week has made me much more understanding of parents who work full-time and have kids. I have found keeping fresh and healthy snacks available really helps. I am lucky though, these kids love fresh fruit and veggies. I have made pizza muffins before and I think I will try them out in the lunchbox. I also saw a recipe for corndog muffins that the kids would probably like. These would be easy to make and take our of the freezer and pack for lunch. Great thread.
he usually gets a half a turkey or cheese sandwich (on multi grain bread, a small plastic refillable container of some sort of crunch ( I can control his portion this way), his favorite is "mix", a fruit roll-up of some sort, and a box of apple juice. He of course always has a bottle of water he can drink. I used to try and put fruit or some veggies in there, but he never ate them, so those now are his snack when he gets home. However, I have been known to put a lunchable in his lunch, maybe once a month max, just for a surprise for him.
I used to be very judgemental of people who didn't make everything fresh for their kids and used convenience foods, but not anymore. Taking care of my stepdaughter's 3 kids and my own son, 4 days a week has made me much more understanding of parents who work full-time and have kids. I have found keeping fresh and healthy snacks available really helps. I am lucky though, these kids love fresh fruit and veggies. I have made pizza muffins before and I think I will try them out in the lunchbox. I also saw a recipe for corndog muffins that the kids would probably like. These would be easy to make and take our of the freezer and pack for lunch. Great thread.
dawn_mo
Well-known member
REC: Corn Dog Muffins and Pizza Muffins
* Exported from MasterCook *
Corn Dog Muffins
Recipe By : Lurker extraordinaire
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breakfast
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
2 packages corn bread/muffin mix -- (8 1/2 ounces each)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 can whole kernal corn -- (11 ounces) drained
5 hot dogs -- chopped
In a bowl, combine corn bread mix and brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry
ingredients until moistened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or refrigerate. YIELD: 1 1/2 dozen.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Exported from MasterCook *
Corn Dog Muffins2
Recipe By : Lynita Arteberry of Plankinton, South Dakota
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Muffins
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method2 8 1/2 ounce corn bread/muffin mix
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 11 ounce can whole kernel corn -- drained
5 hot dogs -- chopped
In a bowl, combine corn bread mix and brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Source:
"Quick Cooking, November/December 2000"
Copyright:
"©2000 Reiman Publications"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTES : "Our- three boys were always asking for corn dogs, so I came up with this fast way to deliver the same flavor," explains Lvnita Arteberry of Plankinton, South Dakota. These sweet corn bread muffins, chock-full of hot dog chunks arid corn kernels, taste just like the real thing.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pizza Muffins
Recipe By : e. in SF
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method3/4 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped ham
1 medium onion -- diced
1 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1 tsp. dry crumbled oregano
1/2 tsp. dry crumbled basil
1/2 tsp. dry crumbled chilies
2 eggs
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup Canola oil
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, combine pepperoni, ham, onion, cheese, pizza sauce, garlic, oregano, basil and chilies. In another bowl, beat eggs, blend in milk and Canola oil; mix into pizza mixture. Combine flour and baking powder and mix into pizza mixture until well blended. Spoon into non-stick muffin tins. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm or cold.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes 12 muffins
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Exported from MasterCook *
PIZZA MUFFINS2
Recipe By : 1985 Bon Appetit/shaule
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
1/4 cup minced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes -- drained
1 1/4 t fennel seed
1 medium garlic clove
1/4 t dried oregano -- crumbled
2 eggs -- room temp
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 400F. Generously grease 2-1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. Mix first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Stir in olives and tomatoes. Crush fennel in mortar with pestle. Add garlic and oregano and crush to paste. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in eggs, then oil, milk and sour cream. Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add milk mixutre to well; stir into dry ingredients until just blended (batter will be lumpy). Spoon batter into prepared cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until muffins are golden brown, 20-25 mins. Cool 5 mins. Serve warm with butter and mild mozzarella or provolone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Exported from MasterCook *
Corn Dog Muffins
Recipe By : Lurker extraordinaire
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breakfast
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
2 packages corn bread/muffin mix -- (8 1/2 ounces each)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 can whole kernal corn -- (11 ounces) drained
5 hot dogs -- chopped
In a bowl, combine corn bread mix and brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry
ingredients until moistened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or refrigerate. YIELD: 1 1/2 dozen.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Exported from MasterCook *
Corn Dog Muffins2
Recipe By : Lynita Arteberry of Plankinton, South Dakota
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Muffins
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method2 8 1/2 ounce corn bread/muffin mix
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 11 ounce can whole kernel corn -- drained
5 hot dogs -- chopped
In a bowl, combine corn bread mix and brown sugar. Combine eggs and milk; stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Stir in corn and hot dogs (batter will be thin). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400° for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
Source:
"Quick Cooking, November/December 2000"
Copyright:
"©2000 Reiman Publications"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTES : "Our- three boys were always asking for corn dogs, so I came up with this fast way to deliver the same flavor," explains Lvnita Arteberry of Plankinton, South Dakota. These sweet corn bread muffins, chock-full of hot dog chunks arid corn kernels, taste just like the real thing.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Pizza Muffins
Recipe By : e. in SF
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method3/4 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped ham
1 medium onion -- diced
1 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic
1 tsp. dry crumbled oregano
1/2 tsp. dry crumbled basil
1/2 tsp. dry crumbled chilies
2 eggs
1/2 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup Canola oil
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, combine pepperoni, ham, onion, cheese, pizza sauce, garlic, oregano, basil and chilies. In another bowl, beat eggs, blend in milk and Canola oil; mix into pizza mixture. Combine flour and baking powder and mix into pizza mixture until well blended. Spoon into non-stick muffin tins. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm or cold.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes 12 muffins
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Exported from MasterCook *
PIZZA MUFFINS2
Recipe By : 1985 Bon Appetit/shaule
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 T sugar
2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
1/4 cup minced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes -- drained
1 1/4 t fennel seed
1 medium garlic clove
1/4 t dried oregano -- crumbled
2 eggs -- room temp
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
Preheat oven to 400F. Generously grease 2-1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. Mix first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Stir in olives and tomatoes. Crush fennel in mortar with pestle. Add garlic and oregano and crush to paste. Transfer to medium bowl. Whisk in eggs, then oil, milk and sour cream. Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add milk mixutre to well; stir into dry ingredients until just blended (batter will be lumpy). Spoon batter into prepared cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until muffins are golden brown, 20-25 mins. Cool 5 mins. Serve warm with butter and mild mozzarella or provolone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bento boxes, that was a new term to me, had to google. Still a little confused, though, about
whether they are pre-made and sold for a lunch or made with home prepared items? Are the ones the children carry as decorative as some of the items I saw on the net? Such as sausages cut into octupus shape, rice balls made to look like soccer balls with seaweed trimmings, etc.
whether they are pre-made and sold for a lunch or made with home prepared items? Are the ones the children carry as decorative as some of the items I saw on the net? Such as sausages cut into octupus shape, rice balls made to look like soccer balls with seaweed trimmings, etc.
Curious, the kids I see have both the pre-made and home-made ones - and some of their
boxes they carry them in are true works of art.
I wish my son liked the items that are traditionally available in these, it is one "convenience" meal I wouldn't hesitate to give him on a regular basis.
I hope I don't sounds like a food snob - we do have "junk" food in our house, and we do on occassion eat fast food. I just try as much as I can to serve "whole" foods, or as unprocessed as is practical, to teach my son better eating habits than I was taught.
boxes they carry them in are true works of art.
I wish my son liked the items that are traditionally available in these, it is one "convenience" meal I wouldn't hesitate to give him on a regular basis.
I hope I don't sounds like a food snob - we do have "junk" food in our house, and we do on occassion eat fast food. I just try as much as I can to serve "whole" foods, or as unprocessed as is practical, to teach my son better eating habits than I was taught.
dawn_mo
Well-known member
Lisa, one of my friends used to bring her lunch in a bento box...
it was beautiful, and the food was so fresh and nicely prepared. I would love one of those for myself!
You never sound like a food snob, ever! I used to make all my baby food from scratch and my best friend was just like me. Since those times, I have come to see how hard it is to have a family and work full-time. I was so lucky to have been able to stay home with my kids. I was the food snob, and the key word is was, not you.
it was beautiful, and the food was so fresh and nicely prepared. I would love one of those for myself!
You never sound like a food snob, ever! I used to make all my baby food from scratch and my best friend was just like me. Since those times, I have come to see how hard it is to have a family and work full-time. I was so lucky to have been able to stay home with my kids. I was the food snob, and the key word is was, not you.
Oh Dawn, I know what you mean about working and being a Mom -
in fact, we had a big "situation" over that just today.
Now, keep in mind that I've packed lunch for my son every school day for the past two years. So you would think it would be second nature.
The past few months, I've started doing student teaching, and "work" 3 days a week. This morning, in the rush of everything, I did not pack lunch for my son. Luckily, I remembered before lunchtime came, AND I had time to go home, pack it, and bring it to him in time.
If I was working full-time, he would have been stuck borrowing money from the office for lunch in the cafeteria, and would have been one unhappy camper!
When I do go back to work, our food routines will definitely be in for a change, since I won't have as much free time to devote to preparing it as I do now.
in fact, we had a big "situation" over that just today.
Now, keep in mind that I've packed lunch for my son every school day for the past two years. So you would think it would be second nature.
The past few months, I've started doing student teaching, and "work" 3 days a week. This morning, in the rush of everything, I did not pack lunch for my son. Luckily, I remembered before lunchtime came, AND I had time to go home, pack it, and bring it to him in time.
If I was working full-time, he would have been stuck borrowing money from the office for lunch in the cafeteria, and would have been one unhappy camper!
When I do go back to work, our food routines will definitely be in for a change, since I won't have as much free time to devote to preparing it as I do now.
andreaindc
Well-known member
I definitely can't judge. I have THE pickiest eater ever...
When she was a baby she loved fruits - peaches, bananas, pears, grapes you name it. Peas and corn were her favorite veg. Now, at four, she won't eat any fruit but raisins. And vegetables - no way. She tries a little bite now and then - salad or corn or tomato - but no more than a taste. She thinks she's done well if she eats a few of the carrot chips in chicken noodle soup.
For breakfast, she will eat rice krispies (no sugar) or cheerios.
For lunch, she will eat sliced turkey and cheese (cheddar, string, or jack). She will also eat peanut butter. Only brown bread - no crusts.
For snacks: popcorn, saltines, pretzels,granola bars, and yogurt. The occasional box of teddy grahams or home made cookies are sometimes available.
For dinner, she will eat hamburger, chicken (only nuggets), and noodles (no longer macaroni and cheese, and only straight shapes, please). No homemade pizza - she only likes pizza from the restaurant. Toasted cheese and quesadillas (cheese only) are okay.
Available drinks: water, milk (2%), orange juice, and apple juice.
I keep trying to get her to eat more variety, but she won't try anything new. Unless it's dessert - somehow she instinctively knows it's a treat. I can't believe she doesn't get bored of the lack of selection. I don't know what to do other than encouraging her to keep trying our food, and make sure she gets her vitamins.
My sister had the same experience, and now her 8-year old son eats everything, so I keep hoping for a turn-around.
Any suggestions?
When she was a baby she loved fruits - peaches, bananas, pears, grapes you name it. Peas and corn were her favorite veg. Now, at four, she won't eat any fruit but raisins. And vegetables - no way. She tries a little bite now and then - salad or corn or tomato - but no more than a taste. She thinks she's done well if she eats a few of the carrot chips in chicken noodle soup.
For breakfast, she will eat rice krispies (no sugar) or cheerios.
For lunch, she will eat sliced turkey and cheese (cheddar, string, or jack). She will also eat peanut butter. Only brown bread - no crusts.
For snacks: popcorn, saltines, pretzels,granola bars, and yogurt. The occasional box of teddy grahams or home made cookies are sometimes available.
For dinner, she will eat hamburger, chicken (only nuggets), and noodles (no longer macaroni and cheese, and only straight shapes, please). No homemade pizza - she only likes pizza from the restaurant. Toasted cheese and quesadillas (cheese only) are okay.
Available drinks: water, milk (2%), orange juice, and apple juice.
I keep trying to get her to eat more variety, but she won't try anything new. Unless it's dessert - somehow she instinctively knows it's a treat. I can't believe she doesn't get bored of the lack of selection. I don't know what to do other than encouraging her to keep trying our food, and make sure she gets her vitamins.
My sister had the same experience, and now her 8-year old son eats everything, so I keep hoping for a turn-around.
Any suggestions?
dawn_mo
Well-known member
One thing that might work is to have her help you make things...
For instance, I used to have my son help me chop potatoes for potato soup. He would want to eat it because he helped make it. Maybe cut shapes out of sandwiches with mini cookie cutters. Look through cookbooks with her to see if any thing appeals to her, and let her help with the preparation. My son is picky also, but he is 7. At that age he understands the three taste concept. If after three bites, if he doesn't like it, he doesn't have to eat it. He is so much pickier than my first son.
For instance, I used to have my son help me chop potatoes for potato soup. He would want to eat it because he helped make it. Maybe cut shapes out of sandwiches with mini cookie cutters. Look through cookbooks with her to see if any thing appeals to her, and let her help with the preparation. My son is picky also, but he is 7. At that age he understands the three taste concept. If after three bites, if he doesn't like it, he doesn't have to eat it. He is so much pickier than my first son.
buonappetito
Well-known member
A few ...
When I consult with families of picky eaters we talk about getting them involved as much as possible.
Always give choices (about 2) so that they feel they are in control bout their fruit/veggies (food is one of the only things they have control over so being picky might just be exerting some of that control). Talk about the food groups (even as young as 4) and talk about how eating foods from all food gorups make our bodies healthy and keep us healthy and help us grow. We do a lot of that kind of talk here. So when dinner hits - offer 2 vegetable choices - at first it might just be a tablespoon full. Some kids do well with sticker charts and rewards like that. Maybe tracking at least X fruits a day etc..
Dole has a grat website with a fabulous kids cookbook. I ordered it for a whole class I recently taught an they were so excited!
There is reserach that supports you have to offer a food ~ 14 times before it might be accepted. This just means, don't give up. Keep a little of that food in your fridge and keep offering.
Also with summer, getting kids involved with planting and tending their own foods is huge. Food prep too - at 4 there are some things she can certainly help with.
Read food related books. There are some great ones out right now. Sam I Am is what we refer to at dinner time a lot. We also have Sam I Am awards for that person who does not think they will like it but then likes it, just like Sam. I will never, not ever eat a tomato is another cute story we reference. Here is an exhaustive list linked below.
In most of my classes we make fruit kebabs and this is a huge hit! I stick them in a melon shell turned so the inside is on the bottom and I use toothpicks and add tomato eyes, carrot nose and wahetver I find for a mouth. Grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges, melon blass or chunks, pineaple chunks, you name it. The kebab sticks are poked all around it so it looks like crazy hair.
Anyway hope some of this helps. Child Magazine just had a big article about this very topic.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/childlit.html
When I consult with families of picky eaters we talk about getting them involved as much as possible.
Always give choices (about 2) so that they feel they are in control bout their fruit/veggies (food is one of the only things they have control over so being picky might just be exerting some of that control). Talk about the food groups (even as young as 4) and talk about how eating foods from all food gorups make our bodies healthy and keep us healthy and help us grow. We do a lot of that kind of talk here. So when dinner hits - offer 2 vegetable choices - at first it might just be a tablespoon full. Some kids do well with sticker charts and rewards like that. Maybe tracking at least X fruits a day etc..
Dole has a grat website with a fabulous kids cookbook. I ordered it for a whole class I recently taught an they were so excited!
There is reserach that supports you have to offer a food ~ 14 times before it might be accepted. This just means, don't give up. Keep a little of that food in your fridge and keep offering.
Also with summer, getting kids involved with planting and tending their own foods is huge. Food prep too - at 4 there are some things she can certainly help with.
Read food related books. There are some great ones out right now. Sam I Am is what we refer to at dinner time a lot. We also have Sam I Am awards for that person who does not think they will like it but then likes it, just like Sam. I will never, not ever eat a tomato is another cute story we reference. Here is an exhaustive list linked below.
In most of my classes we make fruit kebabs and this is a huge hit! I stick them in a melon shell turned so the inside is on the bottom and I use toothpicks and add tomato eyes, carrot nose and wahetver I find for a mouth. Grapes, strawberries, mandarin oranges, melon blass or chunks, pineaple chunks, you name it. The kebab sticks are poked all around it so it looks like crazy hair.
Anyway hope some of this helps. Child Magazine just had a big article about this very topic.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/gen/childlit.html
andreaindc
Well-known member
Thanks, everyone. It's good to have some new strategies to try!
I'll definitely check out the link. Will also try to get her involved in cooking - she loves to bake, so hopefully getting more involved in the dinner prep will help. The sam I am, kebabs, and broccoli stars are all great ideas that I will try too.
I'll definitely check out the link. Will also try to get her involved in cooking - she loves to bake, so hopefully getting more involved in the dinner prep will help. The sam I am, kebabs, and broccoli stars are all great ideas that I will try too.