by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Gather Moms - Take the Back to School Poll! Get Gather Points™!

September 09, 2009 11:48 AM UTC (Updated: September 24, 2009 04:14 PM UTC)
views: 0 | comments: 157

UPDATED 9/24/09: Thank you for taking the poll. The entry period for taking the poll for a chance to win Gather Points™ is now closed. Winners will be selected soon.

Hey Gather Moms,

It’s official – the kids are back to school!!! With everything else that you need to shop and plan for, it’s back to planning ahead for your children’s lunch! Gather wants to know – what are you packing?

Take the following polls and leave a comment in the field below discussing school lunches.

25 people who comment will be drawn to receive 25 Gather Points™!

If they do take their lunch:



Comments: 157

My daughter takes her lunch but I jsut satrted homeschooling my boys so they eat here at home
Fego Martins Sep 17, 2009, 6:54am UTC
what a nice idea
anne ( way 2 crazy of a life ) c. Sep 9, 2009, 11:54am UTC
brayden, does not take a lunch yet, the school supplies it for him
Mary Borg Sep 27, 2009, 1:26am UTC
WOW I am moving to your district where is that I live on Long Island and they do not have anything like that here
d d. Sep 9, 2009, 11:55am UTC
I make my sons' lunch, but he also buys food. a 15 year old who eats so much and never gains weight. The snack part, I wanted to check off more than one... I load him with fruit, crackers, chips, cookies.
Pamela Williamson Sep 17, 2009, 5:27pm UTC
my son takes lunch as it saves gobs of money that way
Rachel Q. Sep 9, 2009, 11:55am UTC
Soup in a thermos is the way I go.. but there are occasions where the school lunch seems more appealing.. so they buy..
Cindi P. Sep 9, 2009, 11:56am UTC
My Boys ALWAYS eat school lunch but my Daughter is a bit more particular so she takes a lunch about once a week or so when they are having something GROSS!lol
Desire Hendricks Sep 9, 2009, 11:56am UTC
When I send lunch with my kids, I try to make it healthy, but not boring. Deli cut meat sandwiches are winners, and they prefer apples, because they don't break easily.
Winona (the crazy rat lady) Sep 9, 2009, 11:57am UTC
My little one not being born yet, I answered with what I plan to send him to school with. He will certainly be taking his own lunch, as I remember having to eat school lunches and always HATED them.
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Sep 9, 2009, 11:58am UTC
My kiddos eat lunch at school. Andy gets what the school serves(tray lunch). Jessica has 2 lines to choose from the salad/pizza line or a tray lunch. Anthony has so many choices for lunch, they have a snack bar and 3 lines to choose from, in high school they dont have a tray lunch.
Aubrey :) Sep 9, 2009, 12:02pm UTC
I have one in school and he just eats at the cafeteria and my other one takes a lunch to his Mother's Day out class.
My teenguy is difficult to get him to take his lunch with him, but in younger years I always prepared a healthy lunch, fruit included, unless they were having something special in school that he wanted. He always had a thermos for winter, two actually. One wide mouth for soups and a beverage one for tea.
MrsRoadRunner . Sep 9, 2009, 12:02pm UTC
I only have one boy still in public school.
He eats what the school supplies.
Our school has not started yet.....
Denise W. Sep 9, 2009, 12:06pm UTC
Today is Katies first day at kindergarden. Time goes so fast. Today we packed a uncrustable in the little uncrustable plastic case I had gotten from buzzrewards. She was so excited in her little uniform.
Pam H. Sep 9, 2009, 12:06pm UTC
My 8 year old prefers to pack his lunch, he gets tired of waiting in line for lunch and then only having a short time to eat it. We do on occasion buy lunch too, if it is something he likes.
We pack lunches most of the time, but also do the occasional bought lunch.
Kelly M. Sep 9, 2009, 12:12pm UTC
We always buy lunch - it's cheaper and the kids like it better.
Pamela Williamson Sep 17, 2009, 5:29pm UTC
i find it much cheaper to make than buying
Tonya Downen Sep 9, 2009, 12:14pm UTC
My son is so pickey that I pack him a sandwich and crackers or sun chips..He eats only at the school when they have pizza....
Kat W. Sep 9, 2009, 12:15pm UTC
My 16 yo is in a night school program and they have a special vending machine that is stocked daily with microwaveable items and sandwiches. The cost is only $1.95 and includes a drink. She says that it is better than any school lunch she has ever had.
Brittney R. Sep 9, 2009, 12:20pm UTC
My son is not in school yet, but I chose my answers based on what I send to the babysitter's house when I work.

Since his lunch can be refrigerated there, I send leftovers whenever we have them and milk to drink, sometimes juice, but she serves water when they are playing outside. Sandwiches are second choice, and raw veggies on the side go well with them. Lastly I will resort to lunchables or chef boyardee type meals. I always send fruit or yogurt with his lunch though, since he could eat both of those all day if we would let him.
tiffany h. Sep 10, 2009, 11:55am UTC
well then.... my kids would look at me like i'm crazy if i sent raw veggies
Stacey Mamasaid Sep 9, 2009, 12:24pm UTC
We just got cool insulated lunch bags for them and packed Lunchables as a special treat for their first day :) I miss them already...making a shopping list of healthy snacks and cold cuts for the week ahead.
sally g. Sep 9, 2009, 12:27pm UTC
the school supplies my daughters lunches.
Cecilia Lyne Sep 9, 2009, 12:29pm UTC
1/2 of the time Jacob buys lunch and 1/2 of the time I send him with lunch depends on what they are serving.
Lori Cee Sep 9, 2009, 12:31pm UTC
luckily, my daughter has access to refrigeration and a microwave so she can take just about anything for lunch. she's taken cereal and milk once or twice. during the week, she's able to earn the privilege of going out and purchasing her lunch on friday's.
DiAnA D. Sep 9, 2009, 12:37pm UTC
of course my kids are no longer young but i remember when i was little every day i had chocolate milk (remember the old Thermos that if you dropped it it broke???), pb/j and an apple!! every day for 6 years!!
Mary G. Sep 9, 2009, 12:38pm UTC
I would like an option to pick more than one extra item, as she takes fruit and crackers along with a banana and grapes when they are in season. Sometimes I have her buy lunch when we are short on time.
My kids get free lunch. When they do not like wha is on the menu, I pack their lunch. They get peanutbutter an jelly sandwhich, juic to drink, sides are crackers and a banana. Unless I can get some other fruit on sale like apples or grapes or even an applesauce cup.
For those who wonder why I pack a lunch, instead of mking y kids eat the free lunch, it is realy simple. I don't believe in wasting food. Not even a free lunch. I would rather know my child ate their lunch. Than sat starving all day than come home hungry demanding something to eat.

I have a daughter who is below who weight, so skipping a meal is not an option for her. I need to pack as many calories as I can in to her.
donna h. Sep 9, 2009, 12:58pm UTC
My daughter is in 11th grade and I think this year she has no lunch period. But....she brings fruit or granola bars with her.
.* Sandi * Sep 9, 2009, 1:00pm UTC
my son cant eat alot of gluten and stuff so we are trying to take lunch from home. The school has a new lunch room and all it serves is BJ"S frozen junk
Janet "Jax" B. Sep 9, 2009, 1:09pm UTC
My daughter packs her lunch every morning, and it is pretty much a standard lunch - sandwich, apple, juice box/Gatorade, crackers, and fruit snack. There are times that she does take a few odd items...like hummus and pita.

My son is the leftover king. He takes his lunch to school also, but he loves to take cold leftovers....and he eats about anything. His friends find it amusing to see what Pher has for lunch on any given day.
Joy Blessing Sep 9, 2009, 1:15pm UTC
They take their lunch everyday except pizza day! That way it's kind of a treat for them and they look forward to it!
Julie F. Sep 9, 2009, 1:21pm UTC
My son takes his lunch to pre-school. They provide drinks (milk or water), but we provide everything else. They have an "A+ snack list" which is their suggestions for what to include. Also, they have no-no list which is items that they won't allow. They'll hold on to them, put them back in the lunch bag with a note reminding us what's on the list. At first, we were really taken aback with this, but there's plenty of items that he loves on the A+ list, so it's never been a problem.
norene t. Sep 9, 2009, 1:30pm UTC
My daughter takes a couple things with her and if she feels like it she will get school lunch. They are generally very balanced now.
Teresa W. Sep 9, 2009, 1:32pm UTC
We are fortunate that the boys get school lunches because we qualify based on our income. Evidently we are poor. It's not always a good thing because the boys won't always eat it but at least its offered. They get breakfast too if they get there in time.
Jennifer Neff Sep 9, 2009, 1:37pm UTC
Gideon gets reduced lunches - 50 cents a day. But some days he won't touch what they serve - like today it's shrimp. He won't eat it.
Jennifer Neff Sep 9, 2009, 1:36pm UTC
Hrm most of them didn't fit.

Gideon eats in school unless it's something he doesn't like then he takes a lunch.

His lunches I make him consist of Yoohoo or Hi-C for a drink, often canned pasta (he loves that) for the main dish, and anything from the following list is added to it:

Chips, applesauce, string cheese, fruit snacks, jello
Rebecca S. Sep 9, 2009, 1:43pm UTC
When my kids were little they took their lunch, now that my daughter is older, she buys her lunch. Oh, and comes home telling me lunch was yuk and whats to eat. So, she will be taking her lunch if she keeps it up. lol
Poliwonk USA Sep 9, 2009, 2:10pm UTC
Took the poll. A little offended that it is stereotyped to "Gather Moms" and ignores the "Gather Dads" who make similar contributions. But not going to make a stink.
April H. Sep 9, 2009, 2:11pm UTC
They provide lunch at my daughter's daycare. When she starts going to public school I will definitely be packing her lunch though - the current school lunches aren't very healthy!
April H. Sep 9, 2009, 2:12pm UTC
The daycare provides healthy lunches and snacks. Fresh fruit and veggies, etc.
April H. Sep 9, 2009, 2:18pm UTC
Not only are we packing lunch but breakfast , lunch & a snack; for our little Drea; and we have to put them in 3 separarte lunchbags as she wiould eat them all if they were in one container .
I am liking the Kraft Bagelfuls or eggos with some Sunny Delight and fruit in a small tupperware
Lunch is a container of yohoo, fruit, sandwhich or pasta, veggies in a tupperware, cheese stick and usually cookies or crackers
For her afternoon snack A box of 100% fruit juice some fruit and cookies or trail mix
Kelly K ~God is Good All the Time ~ Sep 9, 2009, 2:20pm UTC
we homeschool, but my dd loves her insulated lunch bag too!!
she loves turkey on whole wheat, with veggies and a banana
and water to drink.
Tara C. Sep 9, 2009, 2:35pm UTC
I don't have kids, but this is a very interesting survey.
susan j. Sep 9, 2009, 2:39pm UTC
My daughter usually gets free lunch at school, every once in awhile I pack a lunch. This is a cool poll!
Marsha C. Sep 9, 2009, 3:06pm UTC
I've homeschooled since 1998 but answered the polls pretty much by lunches at home...and for a very short period they were in a little private school and I had to pack their lunches daily.
Anna H. Sep 9, 2009, 3:07pm UTC
My son is in high school, so he packs his own lunch. I'm not always sure what he puts in there, but I always try to have stuff to make sandwiches, carrot sticks, apples, pretzels, and such for him to use. He's especially happy if we have salad because he loves to take that. No matter how much he takes, he's always ready for a snack when he gets home.
Shannon W Sep 9, 2009, 3:14pm UTC
The kids usually get it at the school but I keep track of the lunch menu and if it sounds like it's something that I wouldn't consider healthy or it's something they wouldn't eat and would go hungry for the day, then I'll send a lunch.
Shawnee G. Sep 9, 2009, 3:21pm UTC
My children always have bought at school. My oldest is in 6th and she may start taking hers sometimes, but until now I did not want to send disposable lunch carriers, and did not want to have to replace lost reusable stuff.
My younger ones are in kindergarden and 1st, and they will still be buying for a while.
Shawnee G. Sep 9, 2009, 3:22pm UTC
Oh, plus our school is a peanut free school. So the kids "can" take peanut stuff to school for themselves, but they have to eat in a certain area which is really cleaned well later by only the adults... what a pain...
Iris D. Sep 9, 2009, 4:05pm UTC
My son brings lunch to school. he does not care for the cafeteria choices.
My daughter has always brought her own lunch. Especially since she is a vegeterian, there are not many options available for her at school.
kayleigh r. Sep 9, 2009, 4:20pm UTC
most days kids buy, some times they bring.
Bridget Jean Sep 9, 2009, 4:26pm UTC
I let Chandler choose his lunch each day. Last year he did a combination of hot lunch at school and lunches from home.

This year, he told me that he's going to have cold lunch every day, but he may change his mind!
Amy C. Sep 9, 2009, 5:02pm UTC
My son loves buying his lunch this year. In middle school they have several choices.
Jennifer Munoz Sep 9, 2009, 5:28pm UTC
My kids bring most of their food, but sometimes I give them spare change to buy a snack to supplement their lunches and provide extra interest!
Patti M. Sep 9, 2009, 5:43pm UTC
My son is not in school any more. Actually he is in college. I answered what we used to do.
Jenn P. Sep 9, 2009, 6:20pm UTC
My kids buy their lunch. actually we don't pay for it. they qualify for the free lunches so that is great.. a big help for us.. sometimes my son has me pack his lunch though.. sometimes he just prefers that
I take my lunch every day, but the kids usually received theirs at school through the school lunch program because we were poor.
Melanie S. Sep 9, 2009, 8:08pm UTC
My kids eat school lunches.
busy reader g. Sep 9, 2009, 8:37pm UTC
not a mom but a college student and I take lunch with me when I can
J W. Sep 9, 2009, 8:53pm UTC
My daughter eats lunch at school
heather "chickenlips" g. Sep 9, 2009, 9:43pm UTC
Matthew takes his lunch. Sandwich, applesauce, juice, crackers, fruit snack....pretty basic.
Darlene B. Sep 9, 2009, 10:29pm UTC
The school provides hot lunches, yet sometimes that want to pack their favorites for lunch several times a week; especially when the menu is not listing what they want.
Tracy F. Sep 9, 2009, 10:42pm UTC
I usually pack her lunch, but once a week I let her buy something from the cafeteria.
Jackie T. Sep 9, 2009, 11:24pm UTC
buy lunch with snacks brought from home
j - Frugal Mom - r. Sep 9, 2009, 11:34pm UTC
My son eats the school lunch, which fortunately is decent. I am amazed at all the restrictions they have for what the kids can bring, and PB & J is an absolutely no no.
Brooke S. Sep 12, 2009, 4:53pm UTC
No PB&J??? That's blasphemy! LOL :)
Lillian L. Sep 9, 2009, 11:38pm UTC
My son went through the PBJ cycle and then changed to ham and cheese with an incredible amount of mustard. I bought him a month-long lunch ticket when he was in first grade and most of it was still left when he left 6th grade (and that was even letting other kids who had no money use his card or meals for my husband and/or me for the BBQ on the last day of school. My son didn't particularly like the food in the school cafeterioa, but the real reason he wanted to take his lunch was that he has always been a slow eater, so if he stood in the cafeteria line and then ate, there was no time left to play. By avoiding the lunch line wait, he would still have time to get some exercise on the playground. I didn't even bother to buy a lunch ticket in either junior high or high school--I knew it would be a waste.
Donna Besso Sep 9, 2009, 11:54pm UTC
I had Bologna and Cheese for 8 years, it was my choice, always Tuna on Fridays tho. (Catholic School).
Ruth Luce Sep 10, 2009, 12:31am UTC
Used to be he would never buy a lunch, hated everything they had. Once he hit Jr High though, out the window!! In HS now and buys it every time
Alex in Wonderland Sep 10, 2009, 10:23am UTC
We used to pack but we qualify for free lunch now. I am not fond of what they serve at the school (french fries are veggies, friut is all canned, white bread) but I can't complain too much. When we do pack it's usually a peanut butter and jelly on wheat bread, a banana or grapes, celery sticks or some lettuce (those are the only raw veggies he will eat), some crackers and milk from the school.
Kristina P. Sep 10, 2009, 10:36am UTC
Our son gets to pick 4 days a month to buy hot lunch and we pack the rest. I like packing his lunch because I feel like it is healthier than the school lunch. He loves bologna so I try to buy turkey bologna to cut down on the fat and, hopefully, the sodium as well. He likes cheese sticks and yogurt. Every once in a while he gets a bacg of chips. It is not too often though.
Susan Budig - Mindful Poet Sep 10, 2009, 11:26am UTC
One child always buys his lunch. His brother always packs. Their sister does some of each. This poll was limited.
tiffany h. Sep 10, 2009, 11:53am UTC
For the past couple of yrs my older 2 kids have taken their lunches. That's were my answers came from. However this yr my oldest is in middle school and want to buy his lunch so of course my daughter wanted to follow suit.
Sophie S. Sep 10, 2009, 1:40pm UTC
The girls have way to many allergies to buy their lunches anywhere. It saves more money anyway and they get exactly what they want so everyone is cool with it.
Diane S. Sep 10, 2009, 1:45pm UTC
My kids buy the lunch at school. Our school lunch is very affordable for what you get, plus it saves me a lot of time.
Rachel W. Sep 10, 2009, 2:47pm UTC
My step son usually packs lunch but can buy when he asks too. He gets reduced priced lunch at school. We only pay 40 cents a day if he buys lunch. I prefer that he buy lunch because they usually serve healthier choices then what I have time to pack for him. He usually asks to pack lunch though.
Michelle C. Sep 10, 2009, 4:55pm UTC
no matter what....packing or buying; you have no idea what your kids are actually eating or not eating. i've worked in school lunch rooms, elementary mostly. you would be amazed at how much food is thrown in the garbage.
Kimberli T. Sep 11, 2009, 6:01am UTC
I had been so excited when I found out my daughter qualified for free lunches through the school... only to find out that 'cool' kids are 'lunchboxers' I didn't get let down, though. It's such a small thing to pack a simple lunch and make your child a cool child at school! She is so picky anyhow and it's easier to make sure she gets food she will actually consome that way.
Monique Mealue Sep 11, 2009, 2:10pm UTC
my son takes a lunch to school, but sometimes will buy if they are serving something good.
Achelois Mind Sep 11, 2009, 3:21pm UTC
We just moved so don't know if the school has pizza days etc so my daughter brings either a hot lunch (thermos) or a sandwich but the school also doesn't allow Nutella so I have to come up with a new sandwich idea.
Kate K. Sep 11, 2009, 3:46pm UTC
Now that my son is in high school, a homemade lunch presents too many opportunities for anxiety for him. Seriously. Like someone is going to mock his ham sandwich! So, oh well, anyway, he's just more comfortable with buying his lunch now and remaining with the institutional options.
Brooke S. Sep 12, 2009, 4:52pm UTC
I remember my mom taking liberties at those opportunities! I was the oldest of 6 kids, so she couldn't afford for us to buy lunch, even when we got to high school... so she would intentionally do little things to make us blush. One time I opened up my lunch sack and found a pack of gummy boogers. I was in 9th grade, and I was mortified!! Looking back, it was pretty funny. ;)
Kate K. Sep 12, 2009, 5:25pm UTC
Hahaha, okay, well, maybe my son was onto something!!! And I guess I missed a prime chance...!
Kim K. Sep 11, 2009, 5:13pm UTC
My son hates the cafeteria food. I have to pack his lunch in a brown bag. I generally fix different kinds of sandwiches for him (peanut butter and honey, ham, turkey, hot dogs). I always pack a gatorade, granola bar, and chips. Sometimes, he wants fruit, too. Once in a while, he wants to buy a chef salad or chicken strips at school.
cathie v. Sep 11, 2009, 8:22pm UTC
I homeschool so there should be options in the polls for that.
Lilith Dorsey Sep 12, 2009, 3:29pm UTC
Thanks for the poll.
Brooke S. Sep 12, 2009, 4:50pm UTC
My son typically takes his lunch, but one day out of each week he chooses a school menu item. His picks are usually the less-healthy options (ie. pizza or lasagna)... things he wouldn't get in his lunch sack. LOL smart cookie! :)
Amber M. Sep 13, 2009, 1:13am UTC
i don't have kids but i a m pretty sure if I did I would make a healthy lunch for them
Lesli B. Sep 13, 2009, 12:05pm UTC
Even in college mine still bring their lunch. They pack them themselves now, finally! LOL
Avon Lady Sep 13, 2009, 2:34pm UTC
If they sold the milk cartons like the school gets and like the orange juice cartons I would send them with that but the juice box is ok for now and orange juice is to acidic for there tummy.
Osofo Addo Sep 13, 2009, 4:18pm UTC
The kids naturally enjoy eating out so they enjoy the cafeteria food.
TINA s. Sep 13, 2009, 5:19pm UTC
they eat school dinners
Jennifer G. Sep 13, 2009, 5:26pm UTC
I want to say both . My youngest picks what he likes on the menu and if he doesnt, I pack a lunch for him. But my older boys eat school lunch everyday there not as picky as my little one.
J Z. Sep 13, 2009, 6:30pm UTC
Our school's lunches are fairly high in saturated fat, so my child takes lunch most days, and saves hot lunch for the really yummy menu days.
Nichole S. Sep 13, 2009, 11:20pm UTC
My son usually buys his lunch seeing as how it's $1.35 including his drink. I spend almost that packing one. If I do pack one it's usually because the first couple of days their menu is stuff he won't eat or he has a field trip.
Trish A. Sep 14, 2009, 6:29am UTC
I have a grown-up daughter who takes her lunch to work still. It's much cheaper and can be healthier.
jani r. Sep 15, 2009, 9:40am UTC
My kids take their lunch to school. Although they would like to get a hot lunch, I think spending $2.00 a day on lunch that they will throw most away is a waste of my money.
August Lady Sep 15, 2009, 5:07pm UTC
Like Kate K., my daughter 's also in high school & is very concious about what she brings for lunch. So she keeps in her backpack bottled water and a couple snackpacks to tide her over. She always eats a good breakfast to start off her day right.
elizabeth s. Sep 16, 2009, 8:05pm UTC
just take a brown bag lunch :)
Noel Whitecliffe Sep 17, 2009, 8:45am UTC
done the poll, doubt i'll get the points lol
.* Sandi * Sep 17, 2009, 1:56pm UTC
this is new this year, sending lunch with Jace,
His school serves frozen food, heated
nothing healthy about that
Sheshe C. Sep 17, 2009, 2:23pm UTC
My daughter likes to do both buy lunch and pack. Her school gives a monthly menu and on days she knows she does not want what they are selling she will pack her lunch.
Mary M. Sep 17, 2009, 2:43pm UTC
My kids are on the free lunch program at school so I don't usually have to have them pack anything.
Kimber L. Sep 17, 2009, 3:23pm UTC
I took the poll!
Angela A. Sep 17, 2009, 3:33pm UTC
The lunch price is too expensive these days!
So, I always pack my son Chris' lunch. He uses the reusable kind.
He used to eat PB&J last year. But, this year, it's turkey all the way.
With the one question, it was hard to pick one. The question about either cookies or chips. My son wants cookies one day and chips the next. So, I picked cookies as his most favorite.
He doesn't eat fruit in his lunch.
But, if he did, he'd pick grapes. So, I voted for that one.
debra s. Sep 17, 2009, 4:20pm UTC
Interesting information!
carla m. Sep 17, 2009, 5:10pm UTC
My son would not pack his lunch if I tried to get him to , he has always bought school lunches I took the poll
Susan A. Sep 17, 2009, 5:59pm UTC
My son's school is peanut-free, which is so annoying. No peanut butter/Jelly sandwiches or his favorite peanut butter and crackers. So I give him cheese sandeiches, egg salad sandwiches, yogurt, pizza and a fruit (strawberries, banana, or grapes) and usually some crackers, apple sauce and a juice box
jenny b. Sep 17, 2009, 7:15pm UTC
great poll
Linda Tollifson Sep 17, 2009, 8:44pm UTC
Due to my health issues and inability to work my children are eligible for the free lunch at school but sometimes they want a packed lunch so I try to have good stuff for them to take- keep fresh fruit and canned fruit available and yes have lots of peanut butter and jelly or lunch meat or cheese - sometimes they take leftovers - a piece of pizza or some hot dish that they can heat in a microwave- they are always hungary so I think sometimes they eat the school lunch and the packed lunch.
Anne Bender Sep 17, 2009, 9:01pm UTC
My son was packing a lunch, but my daughter prefers to buy lunch. They both get free lunch now since I have been out of work for almost a year.
Dawn J. Sep 18, 2009, 12:02am UTC
my son mainly buys his lunch at school, $20 a week for the main lunch n that also gives him money for snacks too. hes a freshman in high school so u know they eat alot...lol
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 18, 2009, 12:11am UTC
The grandkids always take their lunch. For the price of the school lunch, we can provide them with healthier foods and more of it!
The Fine Art of C.C. Miranda Sep 18, 2009, 12:20am UTC
i went with the things my mom gave us as i don't have kids. i also went by what i used to pack my husband for work, back when i had a husband.
Cindy B. Sep 18, 2009, 3:07am UTC
I would never even think of buying lunch ticket's for the garbage they are feeding the kid's these day's. It's better to pack one. Way less cost also! =)
Hollie Brunning Sep 18, 2009, 6:03am UTC
my son only like peanut butter sadwiches,any ideas for new things for kida to take to lunch?
Jodie P. Sep 18, 2009, 9:01am UTC
peanut butter sandwiches with fruit is good.
~MotherGrizzly~ M. Sep 18, 2009, 9:23pm UTC
My older son is an extremely finicky eater & I packed his lunch in his early years with soup in the thermos, buttered bagels, and chocolate milk. Today, he buys himself lunch which is typically a Yoo-Hoo and a bagel. My younger son is a toddler who eats just about anything--and he loves fruit! I will pack him sandwiches, soup, fruit, and milk!
Shannon R. Sep 19, 2009, 8:04am UTC
What a fun poll! The first two days my daughter went to school I packed her lunch. The sandwich was PB&J which she loves. I gave her fruit and crackers and drink boxes. The first day she loved it but the second day she came home and hadent touched her food. I asked her why and she said that she doesnt want to pack her lunch she wants to wait in line and get a tray of food like all her other friends. So from that day on she has bought her lunch at school everyday. She almost always gets peanut butter and Jelly so the lunch is pretty much the same as mine anyway plus we are eligible to get free lunches so its actually better for me if she buys her lunch at school anyway.
Elizabeth Edwards Sep 19, 2009, 8:16am UTC
Our school contracts with Chartwell, a food service provider, and for $1.90 each, my boys get a low fat entree, a raw or cooked veggie (and they can have two servings) a piece of fruit, and low fat milk. I did the math and it's actually cheaper for them to buy the lunch than for me to pack one! And the best part is, they actually eat it all.
Pristina S. Sep 20, 2009, 9:14pm UTC
My daughter usually packs her lunch, but my son usually eats at school.
dreama e. Sep 21, 2009, 12:19am UTC
My kids eat at school if its something they like if not they pack.
Stephanie B. Sep 21, 2009, 3:16pm UTC
My son just started pre-K and they require that a healthy snack and juice be supplied for snack time. I usually try to pack fresh fruit, or pretzels, or goldfish crackers and 100% fruit juice.
Melanie R. Sep 22, 2009, 8:47am UTC
My son likes PB & J, but he also likes lunchmeat & cheese. I also pack him leftovers in a thermos as I make a lot of casseroles and he loves those. My DD isn't overly fond of sandwiches so I sometimes pack hard boiled eggs for her.
Amy just hangin' out M. Sep 22, 2009, 5:41pm UTC
My daughter buys her lunch at school. It only costs .70 and it's the cool thing among her friends. I am grateful that she likes to buy her lunch, because I can't pack her lunch every day for that amount. And I know that she is getting a nutritious, balanced meal every day.
kimberly g. Sep 22, 2009, 5:56pm UTC
My daughter usually just buys her lunch. They have a great salad bar or pita bar.
Tiffany v. Sep 22, 2009, 5:58pm UTC
My son always buys his lunch at school. He always would forget a sack lunch, and there is this system here where you can purchase up to a month or more of lunchs all at once online.
Rita Johnson Sep 22, 2009, 5:59pm UTC
My son usually buys his lunch, he like them and he's school receive an award for the healthiest lunches
Marie L. Sep 22, 2009, 6:40pm UTC
My daughter has taken her lunch a few times but she prefers to buy and really likes the lunches they have at her school.
Shelly H. Sep 22, 2009, 9:54pm UTC
My son gets up at 5:30 am each morning and I know that he is way too tired and not fully awake to pack his lunch. I certainly have a problem waking up that early so this year I do believe its easier to just pay for lunch! I've suggested that he pack it the night before but he's a teenager and of course too lazy to do so. LOL
colleen m. Sep 23, 2009, 8:18am UTC
For the most part the kids eat a school lunch.
Kylie W. Sep 23, 2009, 8:41am UTC
We do a bit of both - it depends what the cafeteria is serving/
Margaret G. Sep 23, 2009, 9:40am UTC
Mostly he takes lunch. A Clif Z Protein bar, a bag of carrots,an apple and a water. Sometimes I'll throw in a brownie for a special treat.
Karen W. Sep 23, 2009, 9:53am UTC
We are just starting a free lunch program that we qualify for. We always packed a lunch before.
Sherrie H. Sep 23, 2009, 10:01am UTC
Erik is in college this year and eating at the cafeteria every day. Thankfully, he has always been an adventurous eater and likes the food.
amy r. Sep 23, 2009, 11:53am UTC
I so wish lunch was cheaper to make at home. I have my little guy get free lunch at school, not terribly nutritious, but many school systems are working on it!
Sandy C. Sep 23, 2009, 12:19pm UTC
In Kansas the school has to follow a state guideline.
Sandy C. Sep 23, 2009, 12:20pm UTC
My kids take and buy it at school.
Ann Weaver Hart Sep 23, 2009, 8:17pm UTC
It all depends on how well I had it together that day.
Maggie F. Sep 23, 2009, 10:02pm UTC
notes in lunches are always nice
regina k. Sep 24, 2009, 2:25pm UTC
both of mine buy it at thier respective schools
one's is in college and he tends to gravitate towards the salad bar they have
Brenda Rodriguez Sep 24, 2009, 4:41pm UTC
My oldest is 4 and goes to preschool. They serve lunch there but my son decided he wanted to be a vegetarian because the idea of eating a cow or a chicken upsets him so we send his lunch along with him to school. They cater to vegetarians but they don't always check to make sure that the things are vegetarian...they guess and they forget that he needs protein in his diet, etc. It is just easier this way.
Karen A. Sep 25, 2009, 6:34pm UTC
Fun poll. My baby just started college, so I have no idea what he eats now!
Lynda F. Sep 26, 2009, 9:22pm UTC
My kids get free lunches due to our income BUT i'm about ready to make their own because they ALWAYS come home starved!!!!!! THey say they don't get enough but maybe because they just like to eat.
When I was a kid my step mother sent us to school with 1 sandwich and 1 fruit and that was it.... no wonder I was skinny back then hmmmm lol
Mary Borg Sep 27, 2009, 1:39am UTC
My son started H.S. this year. He says the cafeteria food is gross. He has a very early lunch so a Hot Dog or Hamburger at 10:45 is not so appealling. So he basically brings his own. Usually a cold cut sandwich, fruit, bag snack and water. I forgot how much teenage boys eat. I have 3 teens and thet consume so much food and constantly complain that we have nothing in our house to eat probably because they eat it all!!!
Shawnee G. Sep 28, 2009, 3:42pm UTC
My 12 year old outeats Dad... and SHE is only about 70 lbs! It is crazy how much the child can consume without exploding.
Michelle K. Sep 28, 2009, 10:33pm UTC
On the first question, the choice should have been both hot and cold lunch, because my son asks me each night what is on the lunch menu the next day. If he likes it, he has hot lunch, if he doesn't he takes gold.

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