The Daily Dilemma

Every morning I pack lunch for my third grader to take to school. Knowing what I know about the industrial food that's served in school, it's better to play it safe and make it myself. I know a mom with four kids who does this every day. She's a nutritionist and knows better. As local activists for better school lunch, we dream about the days we won't have to prepare sandwiches or pack last night's leftovers in hot thermoses. Mostly, I hate answering the question "When can I have hot lunch mom?" with "Not in my lifetime."

So the Thermos brand milk thermos and hot food thermos are going on year four and still holding strong. I picked mine up at Target, where you can still get them for about $15 each. Thermos calls them Funtainers. Unfortunately they have to be hand washed. Ditto for the Thermos cold snack cup. I wish I could say the same for the poor lunch boxes. I haven't found one yet which can stand up to being flung around and sat upon by a little boy. Maybe Army surplus?

Clementine's are in season. If you start to peel them, you're kids can finish the job and pop them in their snack cups. They're sweet and juicy and perfect for a morning snack. Don't forget to pack a few for yourself!