Okay, confession time: packing school lunches every single day can get overwhelming, right? If your mornings are anything like mine, it’s always a rush—making sure the kids have their backpacks, getting out the door on time, and then that moment hits: What am I even going to pack for lunch today?!
I used to wing it every morning, frantically grabbing whatever I could find in the fridge (sometimes a little too heavy on the snacks, oops!), but that just added to the chaos. That’s when I realized I needed a system—a simple way to plan it all out so that I wasn’t scrambling at the last minute.
And guess what? I’ve got something that will totally help you out! I’m giving away this FREE School Lunch Planner Printable that will make your mornings so much easier. Trust me, if you’re tired of the lunch-packing headache, this is going to be your new best friend!
Table of Contents
My Lunch-Packing Struggles (and How This Planner Saved Me)
Let me tell you, I used to dread school lunches. Half the time I’d open my fridge only to find random leftovers that didn’t exactly scream “balanced meal” (does half a pizza slice and some yogurt count?). And don’t even get me started on the snack choices—some days my kids came home saying, “Mom, why did you pack me two bags of pretzels?”
So, I made this planner as a way to take the stress out of it. Now, instead of playing the “what do we have left in the fridge” game, I can plan ahead and actually pack lunches that my kids will eat—and that I feel good about.
What’s Included?
This free printable will help you organize lunch for the whole week, with sections for mains, fruits & veggies, snacks, treats, and drinks. You can print it out, fill it in, and voilà—no more thinking about lunch for the rest of the week!
Here’s what’s included:
• Weekly lunch planner template with spots for all the goodies—main courses, fruits, snacks, you name it!
• Idea list with 30+ main course ideas (think: turkey wraps, chicken skewers, pasta salads) and a bunch of snack, veggie, and treat options too!
• Easy to use: Just print it out or use it digitally, whatever works best for you.
How to Use the Planner (a.k.a. My Lunch Hack!)
Using this planner is so easy, and it’ll save you so much time in the mornings. Here’s my little system:
1. Download the free lunch planner (link below!) and print it out.
2. On Sunday, I sit down for like 10 minutes to plan the week’s lunches. I grab some ideas from the list and mix it up based on what’s in the pantry and what my kids are into that week.
3. I fill it all out (yay, no more decision fatigue), and then I can just check it each morning to pack up lunches without even thinking!
What I love most? No more last-minute guilt about sending too many snacks or not enough variety. Plus, my kids get more excited about their lunches because they’re not eating the same old peanut butter sandwich every day!
Need Some Lunch Ideas?
If you’re feeling stuck on what to pack, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are a few fun combos my kids actually eat (seriously, they come home with empty lunch boxes!):
• BBQ Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Sticks, a Granola Bar, and Coconut Water
• Turkey & Avocado Wrap with Bell Peppers, Mini Muffins, and Almond Milk
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli, Yogurt, and Apple Juice
• Sushi Bento Box with Edamame, Fruit Salad, and Sparkling Water
Sometimes I even get a little creative and let the kids pick their own snacks and treats from the list—it makes them feel involved and ensures they’ll actually eat what I pack. Win-win!
Ready to Get Started?
Seriously, this planner has been a game-changer for me. It takes 10 minutes of planning and saves so much stress during the week. Plus, it’s totally free! You can grab your copy right now and see how much easier lunch packing can be.
Download your Free School Lunch Planner and let’s take the stress out of school mornings together!
