A School Lunch Strategy.

Last year, as I sweat to make my kids lunch every day during the week, ( OK, well maybe not sweat but struggled) I came to find ( only in the middle of the school year) he wasn't eating them. He wasn't crazy about the sandwiches I made or the variety I offered. Sound familiar to any of you??
I was a bit upset when everyday he would come home and I would pull the lunch box out to clean it and find waisted food. This was super frustrating to this Mom , not only because my child wasn't eating his 3 meals a day but it was also flushing my food $ down the toilet. Not good!!!
So as we start to see all the "back to school" retail coming out again I know its that time - time to make lunches again!!! But, Im going to have a strategy this year; and that is where "Bento" come into play

Bento:  is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine.

My personal definition would be; 
Bento: A tightly packed, subdivided, visually yet nutritionally satisfying meal.

For example :

www.katsbentolove.blogspot.com

www.bentomama.net

Anyway, I think you got the idea.

I have done some research and basically the best type of lunch box for bento making is one where your Bento box can lay flat. This way there is less chance of food being flung around as your kids run down the halls to make it to class. ( I'm just guessing )
So with this new lunch strategy in hand I spotted this lunch box at, where else? - wait for it - Target!!

This beauty was only 10 bucks!!! And I found it in their camping section - NOT THE SCHOOL SECTION!!!

It has 2 sections - the one on the bottom - obviously for lunch and then the top area which is large enough for an ice pack and a drink!! I love that!! Also can you see the walls of this lunch box? It seems to be well insulated!! Another bonus!  ( side note - I use to many exclaimation points)

I also headed down the container isle while I was there and Sterilite /Ultra seal - size 8.3 cups fits like a glove in this lunch box.

See!!! Nice and snug. ( pay no attention to my little piggies there ..lol)

The last thing to feature about this lunch box is the small compartment in the front. Its perfect for plastic spoons and forks!!
I also like the Bento idea because it really forces you to think of what to use to fill all the spaces. SO maybe my picky eater won't get so tired of the same sandwiches and snacks.

Im actually excited to make lunch for my 2ND GRADER this yr. ( can't believe hes in 2nd already) And in return I hope he will be excited to eat his lunch this year. Only time will tell but I will certainly keep you updated on how it goes.
Whats your strategy for school lunches??? and do they work??