Pack your lunch at the farmers market this year
It is back to school season, which means it’s time to start packing lunches again. Luckily, this time of year is filled with abundance at the farmers markets, meaning there are plenty of locally-produced, whole food options to pack in lunch boxes.
More than just a change of pace, eating with the seasons means you are consistently eating the most fresh, tasty, and nutrient-dense versions of your favorite foods. Plus, your food travels a shorter distance to your plate (or lunch box), and you are sure to have a wide variety of fruit and veggies in your diet – the best thing for you and your family’s health!
Whether you pack your own lunch for busy college days, are trying to fill your elementary schoolers’ lunch boxes with healthy snacks, or want to mix up your own lunchtime routine, we hope you are inspired by these suggestions!
Fresh Produce
Of course the first thing that comes to mind is fresh fruits and vegetables! We are just entering bell pepper season, which means there are a variety of peppers in many shades and flavors available at the farmers market. Peppers are a great option because they are delicious raw and can be eaten alone or used as a scoop for your favorite dip or soft cheese.
Just in time for back to school, the very first apples of the year have been harvested. Bring one to your professor for some extra credit, or snack on them yourself with peanut butter or cheese to create a filling, balanced bite. Speaking of fruit, melons are also at their prime right now – watermelon and cantaloupe make the perfect refreshing side while the days remain hot.
Snacks
Maybe even more important than lunch are the snacks that help you make it through the day. A hummus or tzatziki is a delicious choice for dipping your cucumbers, peppers, or pita chips. Add some beet hummus from Yummy Yummy Products in your elementary schoolers lunch to make snacking fun with this vibrantly colored and slightly sweet dip.
Spark + Honey granola is a great option if you get a sweet craving around snack time. Their blueberry lemon zest short-baked granola is gluten and dairy free, the perfect pairing with yogurt, milk, or sprinkled atop a smoothie.
To please snackers of all ages, grab a bag of Heaven’s Choice popcorn to refill the lunch boxes all week long. From traditional to kettle and everything in between, there is a flavor that will suit everyone’s tastes and please a crowd.
Sandwiches
What is more school lunch than a nut butter sandwich? Ray Road Nut Butter offers a variety of delicious options, all without peanuts for a more allergy-friendly option. Pair your nut butter of choice with jam from one of our fruit vendors or honey from one of our apiaries. Slather these delicious spreads on a loaf of sourdough from your favorite local bakery and you have the perfect, easily transportable sandwich. For a more savory option, pair your bread with local cheese, pickles, hummus, or pesto – all available at the farmers market weekly.
Treats
What is a satisfying lunch without a little treat at the end? There are an abundance of options at the farmers market from freshly baked pastries to locally made chocolate. We recommend trying out Bibamba’s Pate Au Chocolat, a delicious hazelnut and almond chocolate spread that pairs perfectly with pretzels and fruit, mixes indulgently into coffee or hot chocolate, or tastes great straight off of the spoon.
The options available at the farmers market change with the seasons, and so should what you are munching on. Look forward to a wide variety of apples, winter squash, potatoes and more in the coming months that can inspire new, creative meals. Happy school year, and most importantly – happy snacking!months that can inspire new, creative meals. Happy school year, and most importantly – happy snacking!
