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7 of the BEST Lunch Packing Time Savers

Lunch packing is not a fun chore and who wants to do it? Click over and grab these simple lunch box hacks to save time.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BTSwithMotts #CollectiveBias

It’s back to school time! Most days my 3 kids take a packed lunch from home. Sometimes it’s such a challenge to get a healthy lunch made when I’m busy (and tired). I try and do some things to make it a little easier on myself. Here are some tips to save time when you’re doing your lunch packing.

lunch bags lined against black chalkboard with one red apple and one green apple

Easy Lunch Box Hacks

I think you could call me the biggest slacker when it comes to lunch packing. I don’t make a meal plan or add special items to my grocery list for lunches. I just kind of know what’s going on in my head. I always get a variety of foods so my kids aren’t eating the same thing every day.

Cut all fruits and vegetables ahead of time

I usually do this when I get home from the grocery store. I wash all the grapes and get them ready to eat. I cut up the broccoli and cauliflower so I’m not chopping it up late at night or first thing in the morning. I do it all at once.

Bag the fruits and veggies up in baggies or containers

While you have everything out go ahead and put them in containers or baggies for the lunch boxes. This makes life so much easier. I make enough for the entire week and I have a special place I keep in my refrigerator to store them all. When it’s time to make lunch, I just grab what I need and throw it in. I also throw string cheese in there too.

Do a little the night before

I know some people that pack school lunches at night. I don’t pack the entire lunch bag, but I do start. I lay all the lunch boxes out. I get out their water bottles and fill them up and stick them in the refrigerator so they are ready to grab in the morning. I usually give them water and then Mott’s® Apple Juice a couple days a week. I usually do this right after I clean up from dinner.

Pre-bag pantry items

Just like the fruits and veggies, I like to prepare my pantry items ahead of time. I open the big bag of pretzels and put them in the smaller baggies so they’re ready to go. Again, I do this for the entire week. You save money buying the bigger packs and not the smaller prepackaged ones!

Create a “lunch area” in your pantry

I have a huge bowl that I put lunch and snack items in. This way the kids can help me pack lunch. I can ask them to grab a couple of items from the bowl and we’re done.

Tip: My kids have been devouring the little packages of peanut butter you can purchase. They love dipping pretzels and apples slices in them.

Buy items that are fast and healthy

I love boxed raisins and Mott’s® Applesauce. I can take them out of the package and throw them in the bowl. Mott’s® Applesauce is great because I know it’s healthier. Sometimes I pack a straw and my kids “drink” their applesauce. I know, they’re weird. I bought mine at Dollar General and they have a Back to School display that makes it easy to find.

Lori Pace

Tuesday 11th of August 2015

Thank you so much for these helpful tips! I will certainly use them this year! #client