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Should students be allowed to have school lunches delivered?
We’ve also got the latest in viral TikTok recipes, e-commerce revolutions and exciting fall previews, so let’s go!
A TikTok Recipe to Try
Have you tried it, yet?
Meatball Subs: the (still pretty easy) Gourmet Version
Recipe for Marinara
28oz can diced or whole peeled tomatoes
1/2 yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2-4 anchovy filets (optional but YUM)
About 1/4 cut fresh basil (or 2 tbsp dried)
Salt and Pepper to taste
In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add in anchovies. Stir. Then add tomatoes and basil. Gently simmer over medium-low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally (while you cook the meatballs). Then use an immersion blender to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe for Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
2 eggs
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp grated onion
1 garlic clove, grated
1/2 cup grated parmigiana
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Heavily season with salt and pepper. Mix everything in a large bowl. (You can use your clean hands.) Divide into even balls that are about 2 tbsp each. Bake at 425F for about 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are browning and internal temp is 160F.
Add meatballs to sauce.
Assemble the Meatball Subs
2 18in baguettes
2 8oz balls mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 in rounds
Olive oil for toasting
Extra parsley for garnish
Slice the baguette in half, remove some bread from the bottom half to hollow it out. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil cut side up for a couple minutes to toast. Remove from the oven and fill up the bottoms with meatballs, top with extra sauce, a layer of mozzarella, and then pop it back in the oven on broil to melt/bubble the cheese. Remove from the oven, top with some extra parsley, the baguette top, and slice it however you prefer.
Meatball Subs: the Quick Fix
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 bag of frozen meatballs
baguette, Texas Toast or garlic bread
mozzarella
olive oil
fresh parsley, optional
Heat meatballs and sauce according to the package instructions. Mix together over low/medium heat. Slice the baguette in half. Bake according to instructions. Remove some bread from the bottom half to hollow it out. Drizzle with olive oil. Broil cut side up for a couple minutes to toast. Remove from the oven and fill up the bottoms with meatballs, top with extra sauce, a layer of mozzarella, and then pop it back in the oven on broil to melt/bubble the cheese. Remove from the oven, top with some extra parsley, the baguette top, and slice it however you prefer.
Pro tip: Get your teens involved in the kitchen!
Look up different videos and decide together which one to try or just follow the instructions above.
Let us know how it goes!
Should students be allowed to have their school lunch delivered?
Meatball subs are great for dinner, but what about lunch?
Recently schools have faced an influx of school lunch deliveries, and it’s causing quite a stir. Maybe you’ve already heard about it from your student or your student’s school.
Why is it such a problem though? Here’s a quick list of some of the issues:
- Safety Risk: It can pose a security concern for the school, with unknown delivery personnel entering the premises.
– - Congestion in the Front Office: The influx of delivery drivers can cause chaos at the school’s front office. Some schools have tried to solve this by designating a table outside the school for deliveries, but that can result in confusion and even lunch theft.
– - Timeliness: Door Dash may not always deliver on time, causing students to miss out on their lunch.
– - Health Concerns: Door Dash meals may not always be as healthy as what the school cafeteria provides.
– - Allergies: Allergic reactions to unregulated outside food can be a significant concern.
– - Expense: The cost of Door Dash can add up quickly, especially for students.
How can we set teens up for success at lunch?
To make lunchtime enjoyable and stress-free, consider the following tips:
- Find ideas on TikTok or Google. Discover innovative and exciting lunch ideas to keep things fresh.
– - Avoid microwave-dependent meals. Opt for meals that don’t require microwaving, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
– - Mix it up. Keep variety in mind to prevent lunchtime monotony.
– - Involve teens in planning and making lunch. Encourage teens to participate in preparing their meals for a sense of ownership and creativity.
What you should know about TikTok Shop
TikTok is not just for fun and entertainment; it’s also a burgeoning e-commerce platform. Launched on September 12, 2023, TikTok Shop is making waves in the digital shopping world.
Here’s what you need to know:
- E-commerce Boom: E-commerce was a $100 billion industry last year, with Indonesia contributing a significant $52 billion.
– - Sales Aspirations: TikTok Shop aims for $10 million in daily sales but is currently at $4 million in the US.
– - Influencer Partnerships: TikTok Shop collaborates with influencers to promote its products and services.
– - What It Offers: In-Feed Video & LIVE Shopping, an affiliate program that lets people earn commissions on sales, and Shop Ads.
What to talk with teens about TikTok Shop
With this new shopping experience, it’s essential to educate teenagers about responsible online shopping:
- Beware of Scams: Advise them to be cautious and recognize potential scams.
– - Budgeting: Encourage them to ask themselves if they really need the item and whether they have the money for it.
– - Trustworthy Sources: If in doubt, suggest finding the same item on a reputable site or avoiding untrustworthy sources.
– - Secure Payments: Recommend using secure methods like Apple Pay or Visa Gift Cards to protect their financial information.
2023 Fall Entertainment Preview
As we head into the fall season, teenagers have plenty to look forward to in terms of entertainment.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s on the horizon:
- Loki Season 2: Already started on October 5, Loki fans are in for a treat.
- Goosebumps (Disney+): On October 13, the classic tales will send shivers down your spine.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s (Peacock): On October 27, the horror game comes to life.
- Taylor Swift’s 1989 {Taylor’s Version}: Also on October 27, Taylor Swift’s reimagined album will be a hit.
- The Marvels: Arriving on November 10, the Marvel universe expands.
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: On November 17, fans of The Hunger Games can revisit Panem.
- Wonka: December 15 brings a new take on the iconic character.
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians (Disney+): On December 20, the beloved series comes to the small screen.
Let us know in the comments or on social media which one of these tips, tricks or conversations you find the most useful!
And don’t forget to like the podcast and leave a review in your favorite podcast app.
In this episode, we mentioned or used the following resources about school lunch delivery and TikTok gadget shopping.
- Apple: Parents Guide for Five Nights at Freddy’s
- Washington Post: Food Delivery at School
- CNN: Tik Tok Shop
- Newsroom.TikTok: Introducing TikTok Shop
- Amazon: Unbrush | Electric Spin Scrubber
- Modern Retail: TT Shop Slow Burn
- Podcast music by Luke Cabrera & Tobin Hodges
Have a question?
About Us
Karlie Duke
Director of Communications
Tobin Hodges
Program Director
Caleb Hatchett
Podcast Host
Caleb Hatchett | Podcast Co-Host
Caleb loves helping teenagers take ownership of their faith and relationships. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry and is currently Student Ministry Director at Jenks Church in Oklahoma.
Karlie Duke | Director of Communications
Karlie has always had a heart for teenagers. Through her role at Teen Life, she loves to showcase the amazing stories coming out of Support Groups, but she is especially passionate about helping adults and teenagers find connection. Karlie has a BS in Communications with a minor in Family Studies from Abilene Christian University.
Tobin Hodges | Program Director
Tobin’s entire career has been centered around students and teens from all walks of life. He has a passion for helping teens be their best selves. As Program Director, he loves working directly with school staff and students through Teen Life Support Groups. Tobin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Tech University.