Fresh Start -Back to School
The school year is back in full swing, and with it comes the daily lunchbox dilemma. How do you pack something healthy and appealing that will fuel your child’s day? The answer might be closer than you think: your local farmers market!
Many Shire kids have already experienced the connection between farm and fork, thanks to our annual event, “Grow Your Own Lunchbox.” Let’s build on that knowledge and turn lunchbox packing into a fun, educational experience.
Instead of a last-minute supermarket dash, take your child to the farmers market before school. Give them a budget and challenge them to create their own lunch. This hands-on approach teaches them about seasonal produce, budgeting, and healthy eating, all while saving you time and money. Market vendors love sharing their knowledge with kids, making it a truly enriching experience.
The market is a treasure trove of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Imagine juicy blueberries, crisp apples, bananas, passion fruit and sweet pawpaws, perfect alongside creamy yoghurt from Cheeses Loves You. Spice Palace offers a variety of healthy dips to pair with colourful carrot and cucumber sticks. Prepare Woodland Valley pasta at home and toss it with pesto for a satisfying meal.
Don’t forget lunchbox staples like insecticide-free and unfumigated rice crackers, delicious with avocado, sprouts, or Davidson’s Plum Jam. Fruit buns, sausage rolls, and vegan pies make for special treats. For something different, grab some hand-rolled sushi from The Japanese Kitchen or gluten-free dumplings from Radiance Kitchen.
Involving your children in choosing their lunch items empowers them to make healthy choices. When kids are part of the process, they’re much more likely to enjoy what they’ve packed. So, ditch the pre-packaged snacks and head to the farmers market. It’s the perfect way to kickstart a healthy and delicious school year.
