Jenny's Lunch Bunch

Long before I was a mom, I was an aunt. I still remember when SPH’s sister Jenny had her first baby, our sweet niece Corinne. I was thrilled to be an aunt, and at the same time, to have a mommy mentor in Jenny.

You see, Jenny is a wonderful mom. So when Corinne started toddling around, I took notes on how Jenny would say things like “danger” or “not for Corinne!” instead of always spouting off a “no!” When Corinne was a preschooler and started power struggles, I watched how Jenny gave Corinne choices, (both of which were acceptable to Jenny), giving Corinne the necessary power of decision. I continue to model things Jenny has perhaps unknowingly taught me through the years. And yes, as she begins her “’tween” parenting season, Jenny will once again be a role model.

Once again Jenny has shared something with me that I hope you might be able to use in your family life. You see, Jenny juggles all the normal mommy tasks, but also works full-time outside of the home. In an effort to make her lunchtime preparations less hectic, she has begun co-oping lunch with some of her co-workers. The result? Healthful lunchtime meals at work each day, and instead of having to bring lunch each day, she is only responsible for lunch one weekday each week.

Here’s how it works: Jenny and 4 other friends from work committed to bring a healthy lunch each day for all five in their group. Each person can share their allergies and give one item they absolutely won’t eat. Then each person gives a little advance notice, the week prior, as to what they will bring in for lunch the following week. That way, if Jenny or one of her friends absolutely doesn’t want what is brought in (despite Jenny telling me that every lunch has been fabulous thus far), they can make alternative arrangements for lunch that day. The meals that have been brought in thus far sound great. I shared with her my recipe for Chicken and Vegetable Tetrazini, which I think was a hit too.

Isn’t it delicious? A homemade meal each weekday for lunch without having to prepare it but one day a week.

SPC