I know, I know. I have said it a million times: I don’t like plastic.
When it comes to packing lunches, which I do every day, I much prefer to use glass or stainless steel. But a small wrench was thrown into the eco-works when my daycare provider told me she preferred we didn’t send glass. I respect her reasons, so I set out to find a plan that worked for everyone.
I hesitated at first when it came to using Glad Food Storage products, but then I did a little research. I found that Glad food containers do not contain phthalates or polycarbonate, and are BPA-free. (They also have snap-together lids so they don’t clutter up your cupboards…a HUGE plus in my book because loose lids always irked me like crazy when I used plastic in the past.)
Knowing that Glad uses safer plastics makes me feel better about packing food in them, but I still prefer not to microwave them. And that’s why I have begun packing no-cook, no-heat lunches on school days! (It’s also a little less work for the daycare provider, so everyone wins!)
Here are some of our favorite serve-it-cold lunch and snack ideas, all packed in Glad containers.
Roast turkey and baby swiss, or our favorite apple chicken salad, on organic multi-grain bread, along with a scoopable kiwi. This one fits nicely in the Entree Size container.
Fresh baby mozzarella balls along with quartered grape tomatoes from the garden are also a surefire hit when I drizzle them with Italian dressing and pack them in the Small Snack container.
The small snack container also holds the perfect amount of fruit for little tummies.
Another reason I’ve turned to Glad: summer picnics and school parties. If you use glass or stainless steel, you know those containers can be very expensive, and you sure don’t want to lose them. If our daycare has a party, I usually make our favorite carrot cake cookies (the kids all love them) and send them in a Tall Entree container. Since they’re so affordable, I don’t mind if it doesn’t find its way back to me.
Same goes for summer picnics, reunions, etc. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought along one of my good dishes and never seen it again. 
And, if you’re still thinking that you don’t want your food touching a plastic container, there’s always the option of wrapping sandwiches, etc. up in a cloth napkin (since lunch calls for a napkin anyway!) Plus, I’ve discovered something really fun about the Glad mini round size container! It’s the perfect size for a cupcake liner!
So, just line your container, add your snack, and snap on the lid! Works like a charm for hummus (I always make sure to bring some along to a picnic or party just in case there’s nothing there I feel comfortable giving my little man…)
See…how cute and easy!! :) I still love my glass and stainless steel containers, but there’s definitely a time and place for Glad!
Do you have your own back-to-school lunch tips, ideas or recipes? Share your “Mom Made” ideas on Glad’s Facebook page!
…and if you have some no-cook lunch ideas to share, please leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear them!
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In moderation, of course…
