School Lunch Triumphs And Tragedies With Kenji López-Alt
Oct 2, 2023
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Food writer Kenji López-Alt shares tips and tricks for using a bento box to pack lunch for his kids every day. The podcast also explores lunchtime conversations, activities, and food preferences of fifth graders, as well as the transition from plastic sporks to compostable utensils in schools. It discusses the challenges of feeding children, introduces other food-related podcasts, and offers advice on packing bento box lunches for picky eaters.
Lunchtime in school provides a space for children to have independence, engage in conversations about their aspirations and navigate friendship dynamics.
Using bento boxes for school lunches can add creativity and organization to meals, while also promoting healthy eating habits and involving kids in the lunch preparation process.
Deep dives
Butterball offers more than just turkey
Butterball is more than just a Thanksgiving turkey brand. They offer a range of products including turkey sausage, bacon, deli meat, ground turkey, and burgers. The speaker emphasizes the versatility of Butterball products for various meals and occasions.
Lunchtime as a chance for independence
Lunchtime in school is viewed as an opportunity for children to have some freedom and minimal supervision. The speaker discusses conversations among students during lunch, covering topics such as future aspirations and friendship dynamics.
Compostable utensils for school lunch
New York City schools, along with several other major cities, have transitioned from plastic sporks to compostable utensils as part of their sustainable initiatives. The speaker highlights the considerations and challenges faced during the decision-making process, such as the durability and functionality of compostable utensils.
Bento boxes and creativity in packing lunches
The popularity of bento boxes for school lunches has increased, allowing for creative and organized meal presentations. A food writer, Kenji Lopez-Alt, shares his strategies for using bento boxes and incorporating variety and participation in kids' lunch preparation, while also emphasizing the importance of providing healthy options and setting a good example.
School is back in session. And for kids, lunch period is the closest you get to being on your own at school. So what do kids actually talk about at lunch? Dan goes to one elementary school to find out. Then we hear from parents dealing with the high-stakes daily routine that is packing a lunch. Food writer J. Kenji López-Alt joins Dan to talk about his tips and tricks for using a bento box to pack lunch for his kids every day. And we hear your stories about school lunch triumphs and tragedies.
The Sporkful production team includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, Jared O'Connell, and Julia Russo.