By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California — The start of a new school year is always accompanied by the return of school lunches. Back in my day, that meant a brown paper bag with my name written on it in magic marker or pen. It also meant if anything leaked or required refrigeration, the bag was unserviceable or simply fell apart, usually well before the lunch hour. Thanks to the Perry Mackin Charlie Kids Lunchbox, which recently has been brought onto the market, that is no longer the case.
This durable, water-resistant lightweight lunchbox is insulated to help items retain their appropriate temperature. Additionally, there is a front pocket for forks, knives, spoons, and a napkin, complimented by a side exterior mesh pocket for holding a water bottle. While I noted that the name includes “kids,” there is nothing to indicate that minors are the target audience. The bag is unadorned, solid in color and doesn’t sport any cartoon character, Superhero or purple dinosaur. Mine was simply a mint green color, certainly inoffensive, but nor was it eye-catching.
As a teacher and a health-conscious person, I view food as fuel. Working with kids, I’m well aware of how critical it is to offer children quality choices so that their brains will function optimally. With this in mind, Tova Kline, assistant account executive, made sure that the lunchbox was filled with “some of my favorite snacks.”
One of the products contained in the lunchbox is the Luckybar. These are high protein snacks that are low in sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, and fat. Another nice feature is that Luckybars are kosher! They come in five flavors, including the ubiquitous coconut. I tried one out on a student who said it was quite filling, and not cloyingly sweet. The flavors have kid-friendly names and colorful packaging. Chocolate Campfire, Cosmic Chocolate Caramel Almond, Crazy Coconut, Pirate Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Strawberry Sandcastles provide cute mental images. They are a smaller serving than other snack bars currently on the market.
Another item in my sample lunchbox is a Loacker product. This company is credited as the top global wafer cookie and confection brand. Once again, the product is kosher and comprised of four layers of the “smoothest cream filling, held by five light, crispy wafers,” making it a delectable and decadent snack.
I’m sure my peanut butter and Fluffernutter sandwiches would have held up better in this classy lunchbox, but as an 8-year-old, I think I’d have swapped out my healthy protein snacks for some Oreos or a Drake’s Ring Dings.
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Trieger is a freelance writer based in Solana Beach. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com