My friend Julie had me over for coffee to brainstorm ideas for school lunches. As a busy mom of three school-aged kids — ages 6, 9, and 12 — she’d fallen into the trap of relying on prepackaged lunchables. They’re convenient, but she was searching for a better solution. She wants her kids to eat healthy within budget and enjoy it, without excess packaging. She was dealing with picky eaters, and needed to keep prep short and sweet. As I listened, I remembered bento boxes and how they revolutionized my approach to lunch packing. I have a collection and my favorite is a colorful three-tiered one with sections and a handle.   

Japanese bento boxes, used for centuries, are a practical way to carry meals. Traditionally, they include rice, fish or meat, and pickled or cooked vegetables, neatly arranged in a single container. I didn’t expect Julia to set up a daily sushi bar, but the container itself can work magic in enticing kids and adults to eat ordinary, healthy food. 

Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly

As we talked, she felt excited about the potential to save money. She could buy quality ingredients by preparing lunches at home and using the reusable bento boxes. The prepackaged meals were expensive and wasteful. She loved the idea of quietly instilling environmental values and could imagine the one-on-one conversations they would have about shopping, cooking and choices. 

Nutrient-Dense and
Balanced Meals

The different sized compartments encourage a balanced meal. She’d include fresh foods, like roast chicken, seasoned quinoa, and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Her kids would have the nutrition they needed to learn and portions that would reduce waste and calories. She liked her children observing portion sizes and wished she had that opportunity as a kid, remembering her daily sandwich, chips, cookie and an apple, with the sandwich and apple always half eaten.

Appealing to
Picky Eaters

Julia’s biggest challenge was dealing with picky eaters. I sympathized and emphasized that a well-arranged bento box can make a world of difference. By presenting meals in a fun and beautiful way, I’ve found that kids are more willing to try new foods. The compartments allow for small portions of unfamiliar foods alongside their favorites, gradually expanding their palates.

I asked if making lunches should only be up to Mom and Dad? Children can help design their own bento lunches. Maybe they could help choose the ingredients and arrange them. I mentioned my cookbook “501 Bento Box Lunches.” Kids love to pour over fun and inventive combinations with hearts, stars and faces. It allows them to play with food presentations, which does wonders for picky eating. 

Simplicity and Convenience

She had concerns about the time and effort required, but I reassured that by assembling components and not worrying it all went together easily. I encouraged her to set up supplies in her pantry and fridge like nuts and seeds, dried fruit, popcorn, boiled eggs, roasted chicken, baked tofu, hummus, black beans, cheeses, olives, and so on.

What Kind of Box?

I’d look for Japanese-made boxes, preferring stainless steel or well-made plastic. I’d buy a fun adult box instead of a cartoon one that you’re going to need to replace next year. A good stainless or well-made plastic box will last the rest of their childhood. You might consider an insulated stacking model, but make sure little hands can open and shut it, and choose one with a utensil compartment and utensils if you can. I’d also read reviews to help make thoughtful choices.

Back to School Fridge Fudge

Addictive treats high in magnesium

24 pieces

½ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

½ cup sunflower seeds, toasted

1 cup dried unsweetened coconut, toasted

¼ cup flaxseeds, ground

¾ cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ cup coconut oil, melted

¼ cup raw honey

¼ cup unsulfured blackstrap molasses (or ¼ cup more raw honey)

1. Toast the seeds and coconut together on medium-low heat until the coconut is golden. Cool, and grind into a coarse meal using a food processor.

2. Add the other ingredients to the food processor and process everything into a sticky dough.

3. Press the dough into a loaf pan and chill. Cut into 24 squares. Keep the fudge in the refrigerator. Perfect for the bento box. Each piece contains 50 mg magnesium.