Just in time for the new school year, Megan McNamee and Judy Delaware, the dynamic duo behind the popular platform Feeding Littles, have released their latest book, Feeding Littles Lunches. It’s quickly become a New York Times Bestseller, offering parents a fresh, no-fuss approach to school lunches. With over 75 simple and delicious ideas, this book aims to end the lunch-packing dread for parents of kids of all ages.
For many parents, packing lunch is one of the most dreaded tasks of the day. It's a daily chore that can feel repetitive, uninspiring, and sometimes downright stressful, especially when picky eaters are involved. McNamee and Delaware have heard this from their clients time and again, and they’ve channeled that frustration into a resource that’s not just about recipes but about inspiration and practicality.
Feeding Littles Lunches isn’t your typical recipe book. Instead, it serves as an “inspo” guide, providing parents with full-page photos and ideas that can be modified for children with various dietary needs. The book includes lunch ideas that are quick to assemble, balanced in nutrients, and easily adapted for common allergens. For example, parents will find creative, easy-to-make meals like Chicken Salad with Mini Brioche Toasts, Sun Butter Banana Roll-Up “Sushi-Style,” and Build-Your-Own Naan Pizza. The emphasis is on simplicity and nutrition, making lunchtime a stress-free experience for both parents and kids.
But McNamee and Delaware go beyond the meal ideas. They’ve included a lunch-packing formula to help parents plan their own lunches, tips for navigating cafeteria and school settings, advice for dealing with picky eating, and guidance on food safety. The goal is to provide parents with a toolkit that makes lunch packing straightforward and even enjoyable, eliminating the pressure to create Instagram-worthy meals every day.
The authors’ expertise shines through in their approach. McNamee is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in maternal and child nutrition, disordered eating prevention, and food sensitivities. Delaware, on the other hand, is an occupational therapist who focuses on helping children with medical, developmental, and sensory issues learn to eat a broader variety of foods. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table.
The book also addresses a key pain point for parents: the pressure to create elaborate, perfectly styled lunches. McNamee and Delaware recognize the impact of social media on parental guilt, where images of meticulously crafted animal-shaped sandwiches and rainbow-colored fruit arrangements set unrealistic standards. They offer a refreshing alternative—lunch ideas that are simple, realistic, and still packed with nutritional value.
McNamee and Delaware’s journey with Feeding Littles began in 2014 when they decided to share their professional expertise through social media content and online courses. Their mission was clear: to help families raise adventurous, intuitive eaters without the judgment that often accompanies parenting advice. Today, Feeding Littles reaches millions of parents worldwide, offering support and guidance in a relatable and accessible manner.
In Feeding Littles Lunches, the authors emphasize a straightforward formula for lunch packing: include a starch, a protein, a vegetable, and a fruit. Add a dip, chips, or dessert if desired. The simplicity of this formula is what makes it so effective, offering parents a way to ensure balanced, nutritious meals without the need for elaborate preparation.
As Delaware’s children have grown into young adults who now pack their own lunches for work, McNamee remains in the trenches of daily lunch preparation for her school-aged kids. This firsthand experience has informed the book's practical, no-nonsense approach. It’s a guide created by parents, for parents, with an understanding of the realities of busy family life.
Feeding Littles Lunches is more than just a collection of meal ideas; it’s a lifeline for parents navigating the often daunting task of feeding their children well. By offering creative, easy-to-assemble lunches that cater to a range of dietary needs and preferences, McNamee and Delaware have crafted a resource that is sure to become a staple in households across the globe.
Whether you’re a parent struggling with a picky eater, looking for new ideas to break the lunch-packing rut, or simply seeking a more stress-free approach to school lunches, Feeding Littles Lunches delivers exactly what you need—fresh ideas, practical tips, and a reminder that lunch doesn’t have to be complicated to be nutritious and enjoyable.