It’s back to school time for us and that means life is about to get busier! On the one hand, after the last 6 months or so, I’m kind of grateful for a return to basic routines. On the other, I’m tired just thinking about it.
Have your kids/grandkids gone back to school yet? If you’re looking for some out of the box (but kid-friendly) lunch ideas, I’ve got you covered! I know lunchtimes can be one of the biggest sources of stress when it comes to back to school, so I’m always looking for new ideas to keep on hand!
YOUR GUIDE TO THE MEALS IN MY MEAL PLANS:
FF = FREEZER FRIENDLY
SC = SLOW COOKER
MF = MEAT FREE
PLO = PLANNED LEFTOVERS
MA – MAKE AHEAD
BBQ – GRILLED FOOD
I’m normally also planning extra simple meals on Saturdays and Sundays so that we truly can take a Sabbath and spend some time focusing on family and fun!
WEEKLY MEAL PLAN
You will find that most of these meals are under $10 based on prices (sale prices where possible) in London, Ontario, Canada. We are feeding a family of 4 – 3 adults and 1 toddler, all with healthy appetites. We generally have some leftovers from our meals and if these aren’t being used as part of another meal, they are used for lunches throughout the week.
Prices are based mostly on those at No Frills and FreshCo, the two grocery stores we frequent most often with an occasional shop at Loblaws for some of the more gourmet items (and because it’s just my favorite store – it even has a Starbucks!). I’m always sure to search the FLIPP app for the best deals!
Don’t forget to look at some of the less obvious options too. I’ve been seeing some great deals at Shoppers Drug Mart and Giant Tiger lately but they aren’t places to pop to mind immediately. I make a point to quickly glance through their flyers.
Monday
Grilled steak, macaroni salad, peach slaw
Tuesday
Roast Lemon Garlic Chicken (we’re making 2 for leftovers), potatoes, carrots, onions, Brussels sprouts (all cooked with the chicken)
Wednesday
Ordering takeout since my son in law has a meeting! It would be a good night for something simple like tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches or leftovers etc.
Thursday
Chicken quesadillas (PLO from Tuesday), raw veggies and Ranch dip
Friday
Chicken Parmesan meatballs and spaghetti, Caesar salad, garlic bread
Saturday
Pizzas (PLO) and salad. (We keep frozen pizza crusts, mozzarella cheese, sauce, and toppings on hand. Then we can build our own, often adding any leftovers we might have hanging around too. This is a great way to use those up – especially some of those raw veggies from Thursday!)
Sunday
Weight Watchers Freestyle Zero Points Chili (making a double batch so we have extra for the freezer and for lunches), dinner rolls (or serve over spaghetti).
Breakfasts and Lunches
Leftovers
Canned soups. Frozen soups and chili.
Eggs
Pancakes or waffles (we always have mix on hand)
Oatmeal
Cold cereal
Yogurt and bran cereal parfaits>>> This Instant Pot Greek Style Yogurt is a favorite!
Toast with jam and goat cheese or peanut butter
Sandwiches – lunch meat or chicken or cheese or cucumber and onions, selection depending on what’s on hand and on sale that week. This week we are having some egg salad wraps since both eggs and tortillas were on sale.
Salads – chef’s salad with hard boiled eggs, ham, and cheese added, Waldorf salad, Cobb salad
What is on your menu for this week?
Looking for some super quick and easy meals? Check out these delicious 15 minute main dish recipes.
Save time and effort with 20 Easy Meals Using Rotisserie Chicken
Here’s a full 30 days worth of quick, easy, and inexpensive main dish ideas here.
You can find more of my menu plans here.
And check out more meal plan ideas over on Menu Plan Monday at Orgjunkie.com
What’s on your menu plan this week?
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