As the Seattle Schools executive chef, Emme Ribeiro Collins knows schools lunches. As a mon of three, Chef Emme knows kids. The award-winning Chef Emme, a recent champion of the Food Network’s popular cooking competition “Chopped,” says these five steps will lead to a packed lunch from home that kids will actually want to eat.
1. Follow a basic formula.
“Each lunch should have protein, fruit, veggie and carb (this is similar to our federal meal pattern we have to follow in the national school lunch program).”
2. Pack ahead of time.
“As a busy mom of three, I know how hectic school mornings are. So packing lunch the night before really does make life a little easier for parents.”
3. Repurpose leftovers from dinner.
“Soups, stews, rice dishes, casseroles are a great leftover meal. This saves you money and time in the kitchen and you know you are packing something that your
kids will eat.”
4. Kid participation is key.
“As a mom I have noticed that when I include my kids in meal planning or prepping, they are more likely to eat the meal. This also goes for my job at SPS: I am always wanting to go out to the schools and get students’ suggestions and feedback.”
5. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
“As a chef, food safety is always on my mind. Keep in mind that when you are packing school lunch or serving school lunch, that you are keeping foods at the correct temperature. Buy fun little ice packs and a thermos to help you with this.”
