school lunches

The meals you send your kids to school with may make our Out of the Lunch Box chefs proud, but those sold in the cafeteria are famous for their unhealthy fare. And with childhood obesity rates on the rise and the battle with the vending machine continuing, there's an obvious need to clean up the lunchroom.

If it's time for your child's school to embark on a food revolution, a Veggiecation may help. Any school can purchase a membership in the program, which includes a series of lessons that teach kids about vegetables through the areas of science, literacy, art, social science, math, and PE, all while feeding them tasty meals that showcase the produce. Recipe booklets for each student to take home and veggie-themed posters, songs, and stickers are also included.

Source: Flickr User Ben+Sam

Born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden, Marcus Samuelsson has become a celebrated chef in America where he owns restaurants including the the soon-to-open Red Rooster in Harlem. Known for his work helping children in his neighborhood and beyond, the philanthropist sent us his recipe for a kid-friendly dish that parents can pack in their kiddo's lunch. The vegetarian pita incorporates hearty lentils, fresh produce, and flavorful seasonings to create a sandwich that will make your tot the talk of his cafeteria table.
To check out Samuelsson's delicious recipe, read more

Anita Lo has traveled the globe, and today she's bringing her worldly influence to your child's school lunch. The acclaimed chef and owner of Annisa Restaurant in Greenwich Village sent us a curried chicken sandwich recipe that packs a flavorful (and nutritious) punch with homemade cashew butter, sliced cucumber, and raisins. The recipe makes enough that mom and dad can brown-bag it to work as well!
To check out Lo's mouthwatering recipe, read more

There was stiff competition on Fox's show, MasterChef, where Gordon Ramsay sought out America's best home cooks. Now delicious recipes from the series are offered up in the MasterChef Cookbook ($17). Author JoAnn Cianciulli offers up a tasty Vietnamese chicken and cabbage slaw sandwich for your kiddo's lunch. "Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich shops and food carts have taken the country by storm! The contrasting flavors and textures of the sandwich — as well as its relatively low cost — make it a popular lunchtime grab-and-go. In the United States, bánh mì is sometimes referred to as a 'Saigon sub,'" she said. "If you are pressed for time, skip the first step of poaching the chicken. Instead, buy a whole rotisserie chicken from your market deli."
For the recipe read more

• When it comes to school lunches, America is the third world. — Bittman
• Paul Liebrandt believes he's too young for 3 Michelin Stars. — Feast
• The Italian secret for the best eggs ever. — The Atlantic
• Tips for making perfect savory souffles. — Serious Eats
• Meet Tasteologie, a new food porn website from NOTCOT. — The Kitchn
• How to avoid diluted iced coffee. — Chow
• Do you cook with jewelry on? — The Epi-Log
• Everything you need to know about the different types of whiskey. — SFoodie
• The legend that is Todd English. — Eater NY
• What exactly is high fructose corn syrup? — Eatocracy

Herb Mesa went from a pudgy kid to a rock-hard personal chef and trainer. Known as "the energy chef," The Next Food Network Star finalist won viewers with his sentimental childhood stories and nutritious take on fat-laden favorites. We asked the father of two for a school lunch recipe that would keep kids on a good track and he offered up his Healthy Cuban Sandwich. This alternative to the traditional version, cuts calories while saving the favored Caribbean flavors. Pack this up in your youngster's lunch pail.
For the recipe, read more