Lunches

Perhaps one of the most stressful things about school for parents is making lunches! 

At Minesing we have a "balanced day".  This means we have 2 nutrition breaks during the day.  They are about 20 minutes each. A variety of items in small containers works best. Bento boxes are great but can be tricky to pack up. Practice this at home.

Often extra time may be given at second break to finish their lunches.

Students have access to healthy snack bin for times when they have eaten everything and they are still hungry. 

No sharing of food at school.  

We are a Bronze Status Eco School.  Please consider providing your child with a litterless lunch.

Helpful Tips:

1. Some parents label containers 1 and 2. This way students learn to eat containers 1 at first nutrition break and from containers 2 on second nutrition break. 

2. Pre-open cheese strings, pepperettes, or twist off tops to help assist with your child's independence.

3. Slice items like grapes and hotdogs lengthwise for safety.

4. Pick items your child is familiar with and likes to eat.  Pack your child's lunch with them so they know what is in it. Try new ideas at home first.

5. Lunches do not need a "treat" daily.  Lunches that are balanced and similar to what your child regularly eats are fine. 

6. Please no glass containers or water bottles.

7. Label, label, label.  Please label all containers, lids and water bottles so we can make sure your items come back home.  (use your last name only to use for multiple children)

8. Practice eating from a lunch box, using containers and putting things away before your child begins school.

Remember: 

1. At first your child may not eat much at school.  It is distracting and a new environment.  Be prepared for a hungry child when they get home. This should improve over time.

2. Staff circulates between classes during this time and older lunch helpers are present in each kindergarten room, however, students should be mostly independent with accessing lunches, opening containers and putting away their items.

3. We are nut free at school.  If using nut substitutes please clearly indicate.  Watch out for granola bars and other items and check they are nut free.