August Hotlunch New

National S’Mores Day

August 10 is National S’Mores Day – a sweet summer celebration that’s perfect for kids and families to enjoy together! It’s a fun opportunity to gather around the campfire (tents optional) to toast marshmallows, share stories, and build healthy relationships with food. Learn about the treat’s history and find some flares to add to your s’mores in this short video. Celebrate safely and savor the moments that make summer memories special!

Watch Video Clip

Breakfast Blueprint for Busy Mornings

As kids head back to school, a balanced breakfast can make a big difference in their focus, energy, and mood. Aim to include protein, fiber, and a healthy fat—like scrambled eggs with toast, yogurt with fruit and granola, or a smoothie with nut butter and oats. Having a few grab-and-go options on hand can help busy mornings feel less chaotic. Check out Today’s healthy ideas and recipes here!

Healthy Ideas and Recipes

Immune Boosters for the Classroom Comeback

The return to school often brings an uptick in runny noses, coughs, and colds—but nutrition can help support your child’s immune system. Prioritize foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges and strawberries), zinc (beans, nuts, meats), and probiotics (yogurt or kefir). Consistent sleep, handwashing, and outdoor play also strengthen kids' defenses. For more immunity tips, visit the Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic

Mindful Mealtimes & Resetting Routines

Re-establishing mealtime structure can ease the transition from summer to school and reduce picky eating behaviors. Try to eat together when possible, offer meals at regular times, and keep the environment calm and screen-free. Letting kids have a small role—like choosing a veggie or helping set the table—can also boost cooperation and curiosity around food. Here are some helpful strategies:

Create consistent meal and snack times to help regulate hunger and reduce grazing.

Keep mealtimes screen-free to encourage focus on food and family connection.

Offer a variety of foods without pressure—children learn to eat through repeated exposure and gentle encouragement.

Involve kids in meal prep or planning to increase their interest and ownership over food choices.

Model positive eating behaviors by trying new foods and showing enjoyment at the table.

Practice patience with picky eaters—avoid power struggles and keep offering small tastes over time

The Ellyn Satter Institute offers great insight into responsive feeding and the division of responsibility in feeding

Feed your child with love and good sense

About HotLunch.com

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HotLunch.com Now Available in Spanish & French

Our school lunch software is now available in Spanish and French, making it easier for schools around the world to utilize our school lunch system. This update allows more families to reap the benefits of HotLunch.com.

Hotlunch.com partners to educate unprivileged girls

We are proud to partner with Ainiti.org, an organization that empowers and educates underprivileged girls through technology. Thanks to you, profits from Hotlunch.com will be used to support girls in need.

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About the author

Abbie Hebron, MS, RD, CSP, LD, CNSC

Abbie Hebron is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in pediatric nutrition (Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition). She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Missouri State University, and then attended the University of Rhode Island where she earned her master's degree. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was the recipient of South Carolina's Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2022. In her free time, Abbie enjoys baking, traveling, hiking, and playing tennis with family and friends.