FOOD POWER on the GO….

Ironwood Tree Experience emphasizes Youth Wellness and Sustainability Practices: please consider healthy, whole foods for lunch and snack choices.

 Avoid packaged items, instead choose reusable containers that can be used each and every week. The items below can be carried in a reusable or brown paper bag or in a soft lunch bag that can keep items cool.

 Whole foods verses processed food with have the nutritional content and the even release of energy to sustain young bodies over extended periods of activity and prevents “crashing” from too much sugar carbohydrates.

See below for some suggestions

 

Lunch Meals

  • Sandwiches with deli meats are ok if kept out of direct sun and eaten with 4 hours.
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly/Honey Sandwiches are preferable since spoilage is not a concern.
  • Leftovers from dinner can be carried in a small, hard, sealable container: Pizza, Soup (in a thermos), Pasta, etc.

Vegetable Snacks in reusable baggie or container

  • Carrot or Celery Sticks
  • Edamame (Green Soy Beans) or Green Beans
  • Red, Green, or Orange Bell Pepper Slices
  • Pickles or Cucumber Spears
  • Jicama Slices
  • Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets
  • Add peanut butter or spices to your chosen vegetable

 Protein Snacks in reusable baggie or container

  • Dry roasted or raw, nuts or seeds: pecans, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, sunflower seeds
  • Peanut Butter
  • Hard Boiled Eggs

 Fruit Snacks in reusable baggie or container

  • Fruits: fruit will be stored in backpacks so use small, hard containers for “soft” fruit.
  • Berries, Dates, Grapes, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Pineapples, Avocados, sliced Tomatoes, etc.
  • Other durable fruits can be put right into your pack: Apples, Oranges, Grapefruit, Pomegranates
  • Dry Fruit: Raisins, Cranberries, Mango Slices, Banana Slices, Pineapple Slices, Dates, etc.

 Snacks in reusable baggie or container

  • Pretzels
  • Popcorn
  • Crackers
  • Rice Cakes

Dairy in reusable baggie or container

  • Sliced Cheese

 Other in reusable baggie or container

  • Potato Chips or Corn Chips
  • Cookies
  • Cakes
  • Brownies

 Drinks: ITE supplies water and water bottles for all kids. We do not advise sports drinks, energy drinks or juices. These drinks replenish energy reserves after strenuous, long term activity but are often used daily and as a sugary treat. Kids will not be over-exerted during eco-programs therefore water and quality foods are used for replenishment.