August 22, 2024
Do you remember the days when the lunch bell rang, signaling the excitement of discovering the treasures hidden in your lunch box? Join me as I take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some items—some I’d rather forget—and the iconic snacks and treats that fueled my childhood adventures and satisfied my youthful cravings.
As a kid growing up, I preferred a packed lunch because my mom, a teacher, knew exactly what kids our age loved, and it was always delicious. Mom or Dad would also include cute little notes. My favorite thing packed for lunch was two Uncrustable strawberry sandwiches. She also packed two Capri Suns, some crackers and cheese, and a Fruit-by-the-Foot or other fruit snacks. These snacks are still things I buy for my house today. The decision to pack or buy my lunch at school was based on the menu, and I would pick and choose whether to bring or buy with my parents.
The strangest thing I ever saw at school was that they called one Bosco stick an entree. In no world would that be a nutritious or fulfilling meal for a child.
If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be the square pizzas. They were always so dry and tasted like cardboard. I could make a much better pizza now! The ultimate school lunch menu should include healthy choices using better ingredients.
To ensure a well-balanced and nutritional meal, always offer fruits and vegetables, a high-protein entree, and some sort of starch, such as baked potato chips.
The packaging of the lunch makes a significant difference. I aim to use cost-effective, environmentally friendly containers that minimize the carbon footprint.
In a breakfast box, I’d love to see a pork carnitas breakfast burrito with house salsa and a side of fruit. For a dinner box, I’d include a chicken wrap paired with baked potato chips and roasted vegetables.
Even though we’ve traded our lunch boxes for grown-up alternatives and our tastes have evolved, the nostalgia of those beloved treats still reminds us of the innocence and delight of youth. I hope you can find some classic favorites and discover new tempting treats every time you visit The Plaza at Wildwood Senior Living Bistro or Country Kitchen and that you never stop making culinary memories.
The Plaza at Wildwood in Wildwood, MO offers independent living plus, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. We are centrally located near Mercy Hospital with convenient access to attractions, including Pevely Farms Golf Club, B&B Theatres Wildwood 10, Wildwood Community Park, YMCA Wildwood, and the Hidden Valley Ski Resort.
