Build a Better Lunchbox

Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady has been transforming school food programs from Harlem to Berkeley with wholesome, nutritious, delicious meals for kids. But her lunch lessons apply to anyone who wants to get the nutrition needed for a healthy body and more than half a brain!

Build a Better Lunchbox

Lesson 1: Choose something from each category
Lesson 2: Be mindful of portions
Lesson 3: Include as many colors as possible in every lunch

Help Your School Get the Best Health Return on Lunch Money!

Chef Ann Cooper is working hard to create a free online resource, “The Lunch Box,” with professional tools and recipes for schools to use in improving their lunch programs. Visit our Back To School page to learn more and for five steps you can take to begin making healthy headway at your own local school. And if our money-saving tips have worked and you can spare a buck or two, please join us in raising “lunch money” for this nationwide health-changing initiative.

Lunchbox Daily Planner

with costs per serving*

MONDAY: Wrapped Up Good $3.29 Organic chicken (use leftover from Sunday dinner!) and Neufchâtel cheese in a whole-wheat pita wrap sandwich with lettuce & tomato, snap peas or broccoli bites with balsamic dressing dip, banana or plum or peach.

TUESDAY: Hummus & Friends $3.31 Hummus with whole-grain pita chips or wedges, carrot & celery sticks, melon, mixed nuts.

WEDNESDAY: Nutty Buddy $1.52 PB&J (peanut, almond or soynut butter with 100% fruit spread on whole-grain sandwich bread), cucumber or bell pepper bites with ranch dressing dip, grapes.

THURSDAY: Pasta Party $3.31 Whole wheat pasta salad (cook extra pasta at Wednesday night’s dinner) with olives & feta, organic apple or pear slices with yogurt for dip, GORP (good old raisins & peanuts) or dried fruit & nuts mix.

FRIDAY: Loony Tuna $2.01 Tuna salad made with apple and celery for loading on whole-grain crackers, cherry tomatoes & steamed green beans with sour cream dip, strawberries.

SNACKS Don’t let snack time be splurge time. We have snack ideas that are health friendly, budget friendly…and kid friendly!

* We overestimated (in your favor) the cost of ingredients used, but there’s always a chance things add up a little differently in your neck of the woods.