As the school year kicks off, packing lunches and snacks that are both nutritious and exciting can feel like a challenge. But with a little planning and some local goodies, you can make this daily task a breeze. Here are some tips and local snack items to elevate your lunch-packing game this school year.
Snack Time
When it comes to snacks, think outside the typical pre-packaged options and instead stock up on locally sourced items that are full of flavor:
Naughty Fruit: This local dried fruit option is a wholesome snack packed with flavor—thanks to the subtle addition of salt, lemon and chili pepper. Whether your kids love apples, mangoes, or pineapple, Naughty Fruit has something delicious to satisfy their cravings. Dried fruit makes a great addition to lunchboxes as it’s easy to pack, naturally sweet, and packed with fiber.
Bovine & Swine: Protein is key for keeping energy levels up throughout the school day. Bovine & Swine offers high-quality, savory beef sticks that are perfect for a quick protein boost. They’re ideal for snack time or as a hearty addition to any lunch.
Kate’s Real Food: These energy bars are a fantastic option for a grab-and-go snack. Made with organic ingredients like oats, honey and peanut butter, Kate’s Real Food bars are not only tasty, but also packed with nutrients, great for fueling up before recess or after-school activities.
Healthy Being Café and Juicery: For a healthy snack with a boost of flavor, grab Healthy Being’s beet breakfast bars. These locally crafted bars are made with wholesome ingredients and make a great addition to any lunchbox, offering a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and natural sweetness to keep kids energized. These can also be made at home—get the recipe here. Combined with a smoothie, and you’ve got a meal!
Lunch Hour
Getting out the door in the morning can be a rush, so having snacks and lunches prepped and ready to grab is a real time-saver. Stock up on reusable containers and bags, and portion out items like dried fruit, sausage sticks, and veggies ahead of time so they’re ready to go.
When planning out a lunchbox, think about balance. Aim for a mix of protein, carbs and fresh produce to keep your kids satisfied and energized throughout the day. Here are a few quick and easy ideas:
Mini Charcuterie Box: Combine Bovine & Swine sausage sticks with cubes of cheese, a handful of crackers, and some Naughty Fruit dried fruit for a fun and portable mini charcuterie board.
Veggie & Hummus Wraps: For a fresh and crunchy lunch, layer veggies like cucumber, carrots, and lettuce in a whole grain wrap, and add a scoop of hummus for extra flavor and nutrients.
DIY Bagel Pizza: Pack a bagel from Pearl Street Bagels, some marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices so your child can assemble their own mini pizza at school.
By incorporating local flavors into your child’s snacks and lunches, you can not only give them a taste of Jackson Hole’s best but also feel confident knowing they’re eating wholesome, nutritious foods.
