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August 22, 2024

Nostalgic Lunchbox Treats

Category: Culinary

Author: Nicholas Stromack, Culinary Director

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 it allowed me to know exactly what I would eat every day. My favorite thing to find in my lunch was lemon pudding, which remains one of my favorite snacks. The strangest thing I saw on the school lunch menu was a fish sandwich. I tried it and, to my surprise, it was delicious!

A cheerful display of dessert cups filled with lemon pudding, blueberries, and whipped cream, arranged on a bright yellow tablecloth with decorative plants.

As a kid growing up, I preferred a packed lunch because it allowed me to know exactly what I would eat every day. My favorite thing to find in my lunch was lemon pudding, which remains one of my favorite snacks. The strangest thing I saw on the school lunch menu was a fish sandwich. I tried it and, to my surprise, it was delicious!

The school menu was the biggest factor in deciding whether to buy or pack a lunch. However, money was also a significant factor, as buying a school lunch was much more affordable. I think money is still a driving factor for kids today with the rising cost of food.

Crafting Balanced and Delicious Meals

If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be school pizzas. The ultimate school lunch menu would include pizzas, nachos, and chicken wings, but with elevated ingredients like fresh pizza dough and nicer toppings.

Packing school lunches and meal prepping as an adult are similar. You need to ensure a well-balanced and nutritious meal with vegetables, starch, and protein and ensure appropriate portion sizes. The packaging of the lunch also matters because we eat with our eyes.

I would love to see sausage pancake corn dogs for a breakfast box.

Even though we’ve traded our lunch boxes for grown-up alternatives and our tastes have evolved over time, 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 Vitalia Stow Bistro or Country Kitchen and that you never stop making culinary memories.

VITALIA® Stow in Stow, OH offers senior villas, independent apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include 1804 Restaurant, a 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Conveniently located just off of Hwy 8 at E Steels Corners Road near Akron General Health & Wellness Center with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Fox Den Golf Course, Summit Mall, Bike & Hike – Summit Metro Parks, Stan Hywet, Hale Farm, and Blossom Music Center.

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