As the school year begins, it's time to rethink the way we do lunch. Earth-friendly options mean a packed lunch no longer equates to a pile of landfill-bound waste. Easy-to-grab snack-sized sides now come in healthier varieties. Heck, even the classic lunch pail, once but a humble metal box with a latch, has had a busy mom and picky eater approved facelift.
1 | Sweet and salty.
Fulfill a lunchtime request for a side of potato chips without feeling bad about what's inside the bag. These sweet potato crisps are loaded with Beta-Carotene and lots of vitamin A. One Potato Two Potato Plain Jaynes Sweet Potato Chips, $0.99, Reading China & Glass at the VF Outlets, 739 Reading Avenue, West Reading, 610.378.0413. kitchenandcompany.com
2 | Wash and reuse.
Ditch the mound of sandwich bags and disposable plastic ware to opt for washable options. These bags were cut with a sandwich in mind but pull double duty for other snacks and sides. And these sporks were crafted just for little mouths, smaller and sans serrated edges. Lunchskins sandwich bags, $8.99, and Spork Little three-pack, $6.99, Reading China & Glass at the VF Outlets, 739 Reading Avenue, West Reading, 610.378.0413. kitchenandcompany.com
3 | Compartmentalized.
The Japanese tradition of neatly packing meals inside divided trays makes it easy for parents to pack up lunches for picky eaters who can't bear to see their food groups touching. Everything stays fresh and separated inside a handy zip-up cover. Bento Lunch Kits, $14.99 each, Target, various locations in Berks. target.com
4 | Snack attack.
A protein boost can help sate your cravings during that pesky afternoon slump and keep you alert through the end of your day. These bourbon-infused jerky bites are arguably some of the best around, fresh and locally made by a butcher shop right here in Berks. Premium Hex Jerky, $10.95 per bag, Dundore and Heister, 1331 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing, 610.374.6328. dundoreandheister.com
5 | Grab-and-go.
Your future self will thank you when you start sealing up leftovers in these stackable, see-through containers. Locking clips and rubberized silicone seals keep everything fresh and ready for transport, including soups and hot beverages for when the weather turns crisp. Sistema® KLIP IT® set of 6 lunch storage containers, $19.99, and microwavable 22-ounce mug, $6.99, Bed, Bath & Beyond, 2771 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.736.0433. bedbathandbeyond.com
