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.
Growing up, I preferred school-provided lunches because I had to pack my lunch. My typical packed lunch included yogurt, goldfish crackers, and string cheese. Mix the goldfish crackers into the yogurt-like granola and dip the string cheese. My favorite thing I found packed was the deli meat, lettuce, mayo, and cheese sandwich when mom made my lunch for me—just once!
My parents made me pack my lunches throughout most of elementary school, but in middle school, I could eat at school. It was rare to get free lunches from the school, but now many school districts provide free meals to everyone to ensure kids eat.
If I could create one school lunch from scratch, it would be the Thanksgiving meal—mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, dinner roll, and spice muffin. I loved this meal and looked forward to it every year. School lunches usually included protein, carbs, and veggies, so now every meal I eat feels like it must have those components. The ultimate school lunch menu would include rectangle pizza and old-school chicken nuggets, not the new ones.
My only tip for making a lunchbox meal is to always include a handwritten note. Packing school lunches and meal prepping as an adult are similar. Pack it ahead of time and include a main dish with sides. Always ensure a well-balanced and nutritious meal with protein, veggies, carbs, and a little treat. Remember to layer the ice packs and food to keep it cold.
I would like to see BBQ ribs or pulled pork, potato salad, carrots, baked beans, and cornbread in a dinner box.
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 Rock Creek Senior Living Bistro or Country Kitchen and that you never stop making culinary memories.
Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny, IA offers senior villas, independent senior apartments, 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. Centrally located near Mercy One Medical Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Briarwood Golf, The District Shopping Center, Saylorville Lake Marina, Big Creek State Park, and Ankeny Community Theater.
