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August 22, 2024

Nostalgic Lunchbox Treats

Category: Culinary

Author: Stephen Stadnicar, 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. We’ll also explore the iconic snacks and treats that fueled my childhood adventures and satisfied my youthful cravings.

As a kid, I preferred packed lunches because I wasn’t a big fan of warm lunches. My favorite treat for lunch was soft Archway Oatmeal Iced Cookies. Even though it was more expensive to pack lunch, my parents always made sure I enjoyed what I ate. I believe the rising cost of groceries has led most kids to buy lunch or rely on free or reduced meals.

Hershey's milk chocolate bar and two packs of Oreo cookies placed on a white plate, offering a classic combination of sweet treats.

As a kid, I preferred packed lunches because I wasn’t a big fan of warm lunches. My favorite treat for lunch was soft Archway Oatmeal Iced Cookies. Even though it was more expensive to pack lunch, my parents always made sure I enjoyed what I ate. I believe the rising cost of groceries has led most kids to buy lunch or rely on free or reduced meals.

The strangest thing I saw on the school menu was “eggroll in a bowl.” If I could create one school lunch item from scratch, it would be fiestada pizza—I used to go out of my way to buy lunch on those days. The ultimate school lunch menu would include chili crispitos!

From Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels to Nostalgic Treats: Reliving Culinary Memories

My secret to making the ultimate lunchbox meal is including buffalo chicken pinwheels. Packing school lunches and meal prepping as an adult are quite similar. Meal prep is easier and much less stressful, and it’s easier to prepare in bulk. To ensure a well-balanced and nutritious meal, don’t forget to include fruit and fiber. When packing lunch, make sure not to smash the chips or snacks!

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 Vitalia Strongsville Bistro or Country Kitchen. May you never stop making culinary memories.

VITALIA® Strongsville in Strongsville, OH offers independent senior apartments, assisted living, and memory care with a variety of services and a range of floor plan options. Amenities include restaurant dining, 24-hour bistro, concierge service, housekeeping, events and entertainment, personal care, transportation services, and more. Centrally located near Southwest General Hospital with convenient access to major shopping centers and attractions, including Mallard Creek, Southpark Mall, Strongsville Historical Society, The Greens of Strongsville Shopping , and Don’s Pomeroy House.

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