Who can believe that Summer is coming!?

May and June are wonderful months in Canada when we all enjoy the warmer weather and dream about our plans for the Summer. At school it’s the season for Track & Field, soccer and baseball – a time when kids need the energy boost of a well balanced lunch. Every School Day, our Lunch Ladies and Lunch Guys are up early, busily preparing the perfect foods for the Summer Season to provide all the food energy that children need to do their best in the afternoon.

Our May and June Menu is all about Favourites and that means that your Lunch Lady’s menu will reflect what’s most popular in your school community We are sure you will find lots of tried and true options to enjoy.

—Ruthie Burd Founder of the Lunch Lady

MEALS that MAKE a DIFFERENCE

Our Fun Packed Meal is not only popular but helps support The Lunch Lady’s commitment to school communities in need. Your Lunch Lady donates 10 cents to Breakfast for Learning from every order. Begun in December of 2011, by the end of February we had raised over $7000.00, one dime at a time. Visit www.thelunchlady.ca to learn more.

Everyone loves the NEW Toasty Cheesy Pizza Melt which is the latest addition to our Fun Packed Meal Menu. Each Fun Meal includes an entree, fruit or full serving fresh veggie pack, 100% juice, a bakery treat and 10 cents to Breakfast for Learning.

Other Fun Packed Meal options may be available in your area. Check your menu and our online order site to find out. Many kitchens also offer Halal and Vegetarian versions of the Fun Meal. Enjoy and thanks for supporting a truly great cause!

Favourites Countdown” from School Year 2011/2012

[in order of popularity]

#1. Mac and Cheese – This is still our most popular menu choice. Nothing says comfort like Mac and Cheese! (Hot Meal)

#2. Spaghetti and Meatballs – A classic favourite – juicy beef meatballs nested atop whole grain spaghetti noodles and covered with a rich tomato sauce. This dish wins for taste and nutrition (Hot Meal)

#3. Chicken Finger Dinner – A pair of lightly breaded and baked, all white chicken fingers paired with whole grain brown rice and kernel corn –Yummy and filling! (Hot Meal)

#4. Chicken Nugget Meal – Lightly breaded and baked, all white chicken nuggets served with a warm whole grain roll, veggies, juice and a bakery item are our most popular Fun Packed Meal choice. The Lunch Lady donates 10c from every Fun Packed Meal to Breakfast for Learning. (Hot Meal)

#5. Meatballs, Potatoes and Gravy – Our yummy meatballs aren’t just for spaghetti. Try them with homemade mashed potatoes, rich brown gravy and steamed veggies to enjoy a real comfort classic (Hot Meal)

#6. Real Canadian Cheddar Grilled Cheese Alone or in a Combo – Famous for taste, Canada’s real cheddar is our national claim to fame! We fill whole wheat Texas toast thick style bread with slices of real cheddar and grill it to perfection. (Hot Meal)

#7. The ALL Day Breakfast is Great for Lunch We think it is the pancakes that make the kids love these specially designed Breakfast Classics. See what combinations your kitchen is offering. (Hot Meal)

#8. Hamburger – A Classic Lunch Favourite , our lean beef patty , served up nice and hot on a whole wheat bun, is sure to please. Don’t forget to order side condiments.

#9. The Cheeseburger is a Keeper - Melted real Canadian cheddar cheese on a lean beef patty inside a whole wheat bun. Choose Toppings made with “farm fresh lettuce, juicy tomato and pickle” as one of your sides to make it even more delicious ! (Hot Meal)

#10 Chicken Burger – Our lean all white chicken burger is lightly breaded and served on a whole wheat bun. A good source of protein, lower in fat and sodium and still a big hit with kids!

#11. Crunchy Chicken Ranch Wrap - We have so many requests, we have to keep bringing it back. Tasty breaded chicken, romaine lettuce and lite Ranch dressing rolled up in a whole grain flour tortilla. How can something so simple taste so good? (Cold Meal)

#12. Soft Beef Tacos are made with Mildly Mexican seasoned ground beef and rice topped with a sprinkle of cheese, rolled up in whole wheat tortillas and served with side sour cream. (hot meal)

#13. Chicken Caesar Salad is the number one favourite Lunch Lady salad all across Canada! Made with fresh crisp Romaine lettuce, premium thick carved chicken strips, crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing on the side, it’s sure to please. (Cold Meal)

#14. BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – We roast our chicken drumsticks and baste them with BBQ sauce to perfection, and serve them with different sides depending on the season. For Summer, try them COLD with Macaroni Salad (Cold Meal)

All Time Favourite Sides!

#1. Warm Garlic Breadstick – Still the King! Our warm garlic breadstick is enjoyed by everyone. The perfect size for lunch!

#2. “Lunchie” Gingerbread Cookie – Baked just for us, this is the cutest cookie we’ve ever seen. Of course we think so because we love “Lunchie” and hope you love her too. This cookie is sweet with just the right crunch and ginger spice.

#3. It’s always a good time for a RIPS 100% Fruit Juice Slushie - So what that it is still a little cold outside! It’s never too cold to give yourself a “Brain Freeze “ This product is exclusive to the Lunch Lady Group. It comes in a cool foil pouch. It arrives at school frozen and will partially thaw by lunch time. [sorry, not available in BC]

#4. Kettle Popcorn – A little sweet and a little salty – perfect taste and 8% fibre!

#5. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar – When we asked our baker to come up with a healthy version of a chocolate chip cookie they out did themselves! This is a delicious and satisfying treat shaped like a bar with all the flavour and heartiness of an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie.

#6. Chicken Noodle Soup or Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf – It’s almost a tie so we’ve put them both here. Bananas and chocolate are made for each other! … and even if you do not have a cold, there is nothing like a warm and soothing bowl of chicken noodle soup no matter what the weather. SHHH – don’t mention that it is lower sodium!

#7. Fresh Veggies – Let’s hear it for the raw veggies! Healthier choices do have a Fan Club. See what your kitchen is serving up to help you get your 5-9 servings per day.

#8. Side Caesar Salad – the perfect accompaniment to any of our meals, the side Caesar with romaine, croutons and parmesan makes any entrée a special event.

#9 Fresh Apple Slices – When the apples come pre-sliced they are so easy to eat. Kids love them!

#10. Yogurt Parfaits – Whether it’s made with blueberries, red berries or it’s the Chunky Monkey [bananas topped with chocolate chips], everyone loves our signature Yogurt parfaits

A la Carte Ordering or Combo? – Build your own Lunch or let us put something together for you in one of our value combos.

Looking for other options? Have a look to see what is on offer at your school on the paper menu and online…and don’t forget to eat your veggies!

Please see the paper menu or check on-line for the full menu. Enjoy your Lunch!

REMEMBER - Menu offerings may vary from location to location. The Lunch Lady meets current nutritional guidelines for your province which may affect available options. Many kitchens offer Halal and Vegetarian options and can modify their menus to accommodate your child’s special food needs. You just have to ask your Lunch Lady!