The first day of school is almost here!!

Although the federal government has implemented new legislation that aims to make school lunches healthier, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/school-lunches-to-have-mo_0_n_1230749.html the options aren’t amazing. Don’t get me wrong, this legislation is a huge step in the right direction. But I’ve already looked over the school lunch menu for the first month of school and the nutrient poor, too many ingredient faves such as breaded chicken patties, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and corn dogs are still on the menu. Although now hot dogs will be wrapped in a whole wheat bun.

So the best option is still to send your child to school with a cute little lunch box.

Here’s why:

“Food impacts how well a child’s brain works, affecting their moods and abilities … In a child’s brain junk food can cause neurotransmitters, which pass along information, to function improperly.  Smart foods, however, allow information to be processed correctly and help the child function at their optimal level.”  – Dr. Sears, one of America’s most renowned pediatricians and author of over 40 books (From 100 Days of Real Food blog)

Here are 10 ways to switch up your child’s school lunch: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/12/real-food-tips-10-ways-to-switch-up-your-kid%E2%80%99s-lunch/

Here are some tips on planning ahead for school lunches: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/19/real-food-tips-21-ways-to-plan-ahead-for-school-lunches/

Here are some lunch ideas: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/

Here are 20 school lunch ideas: http://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/lunch/healthy-school-lunches-snacks/?rb=Y#page=1

As I find more school lunch ideas, I will share them!