Nostalgic Lunchbox Treats

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, I always preferred school-provided lunches over packed ones. On rare occasions, I brought lunch from home, and my favorite finds were a turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, and a banana. The strangest item I ever saw on the school menu was a tater-tot casserole, which I never tried.

If I could create a school lunch from scratch, it would be meat lasagna with garlic bread. In my opinion, the ultimate school lunch menu should include meat lasagna or a chicken breast sandwich.

Packing school lunches and meal prepping as an adult have much in common—you need to ensure a well-balanced, nutritious meal with healthy options like chicken breast and fresh fruit. How you package the lunch also matters, as it helps keep the food fresh and at the right temperature.

I’d love to see eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast for a breakfast box. A dinner box could include a steak with green beans and mashed potatoes.

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 Montvale Senior Living Bistro or Country Kitchen and that you never stop making culinary memories.