There’s something special about back-to-school season. Fresh backpacks. New teachers. Nervous smiles. Excitement for what’s ahead.
Then of course, there’s the daily ritual of packing lunches and finding healthy snacks that kids will actually eat. We’ve got some tips on that below for you :) Before we get to that, here’s a little bit of reflection on our 16 years working with schools.
Sixteen Years of Nourishing Families & Supporting Schools
This year marks an incredible milestone for us at Good Box Organics—our 16th back-to-school season.
When we started our farm-to-school program back in 2010, we could never have imagined where our farm-to-school journey would take us. The preschoolers whose families signed up during those early years are now in college. Watching families grow- from toddlers learning to love blueberries to college freshmen stocking their first apartment kitchens with their beloved avocados has been one of the greatest privileges of what we do.
Today, we’re grateful to continue to deliver fresh, certified organic produce to families throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, and neighboring communities each week, helping make healthy lunches a little easier during one of the busiest times of the year. One of our favorite parts of back-to-school season is visiting school events, meeting new families, catching up with longtime members, and celebrating the amazing communities that make each school so special.
More Than Produce
Our mission has always been simple help our community live healthier, one box at a time. And from day one, we’ve tied that in to giving back to the community.
Thanks to our incredible members and school partners, together we’ve now raised more than $313,000 for local schools through our fundraising program.
Every box ordered through a participating school helps support classrooms, enrichment programs, gardens, financial aid, and countless opportunities for students to thrive.
It’s proof that something as simple as filling your kitchen with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables can have an impact far beyond the dinner table. Additionally, joining a CSA has huge benefits agriculturally as well. You can read more about those here.
Nourishing Thousands of Kids
One of our favorite full-circle moments is seeing our fruit enjoyed inside the schools themselves.
Several of our partner schools serve Good Box fruit as classroom snacks, helping introduce children to delicious, seasonal produce while fueling busy school days.
Knowing we’re helping nourish thousands of children across Los Angeles, the Valley, and surrounding neighborhoods is something we never take for granted.
🎒 🍎 🌱 🥕 🍐 🍇 📚🎒 🍎 🌱 🥕 🍐 🍇 📚🎒 🍎 🌱 🥕 🍐 🍇 📚🎒 🍎 🌱 🥕 🍐 🍇 📚
As another school year begins, we thought we’d celebrate with a few of our favorite lunch-packing tips that have helped Good Box families for years.
1. Prep Produce Once, Save Time All Week
Busy weekday mornings become much easier when your fruits and vegetables are already washed and ready to enjoy.
Spend just 15–20 minutes after your Good Box arrives washing grapes, slicing cucumbers and peppers, peeling mandarins, or chopping carrots for the week.
Healthy snacks become the easy choice when they’re ready to grab.
Our favorite lunchbox produce this time of year:
- Grapes
- Pears
- Apples
- Carrot sticks
- Bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Melon
2. Use Containers Kids Love
Sometimes presentation makes all the difference.
Sectioned lunch containers give every food its own space, making lunches colorful, organized, and fun to eat. Silicone baking cups are another favorite for separating fruits, vegetables, crackers, nuts, and dips while making cleanup easy.
3. Plan Lunches Ahead
Keeping a short list of favorite lunches removes the daily “What should I pack?” stress.
Rotate simple favorites like:
- Turkey or hummus sandwiches
- Bean burritos
- Pasta salad
- Yogurt with fruit
- DIY snack boxes
- Cheese, crackers, fruit and veggies
A little planning goes a long way.
4. A Few Simple Prep Tricks
A few small habits can save lots of time during the school week.
- Store carrot sticks in a jar of water (change the water every couple of days) to keep them crisp.
- Slice apples just before packing, or give them a quick dip in water with a squeeze of lemon juice to slow browning.
- Wash grapes and berries as soon as your produce arrives so they’re ready for lunchboxes all week long.
5. Let the Seasons Inspire Lunches
One of the best parts of receiving a Good Box is discovering what’s in season.
Instead of packing the exact same lunch every day, let the harvest change throughout the year.
Late summer might bring juicy peaches, sweet melon, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
As fall arrives, apples, pears, grapes, carrots, and crisp greens become lunchbox favorites.
Kids naturally enjoy more variety—and more nutrients—when they eat with the seasons.
Thank You for 16 Wonderful School Years
Whether you’re packing lunches in Pasadena, rushing out the door in Sherman Oaks, unloading backpacks in Woodland Hills, or heading to school anywhere across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, thank you for allowing us to be part of your family’s routine.
We’re incredibly grateful to celebrate 16 back-to-school seasons, over $313,000 raised for local schools, and the opportunity to nourish thousands of children with fresh, certified organic produce from California family farms.
Here’s to healthy lunches, growing families, thriving schools, and another wonderful school year.
Thank you for helping us grow something good—together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make packing school lunches easier?
Wash and prep produce as soon as your Good Box arrives. Store cut carrots, cucumbers, grapes, apples, and other snacks in grab-and-go containers so they’re ready during busy mornings.
Does Good Box Organics deliver to the San Fernando Valley?
Yes! Good Box Organics delivers fresh, certified organic produce throughout the San Fernando Valley, as well as Conejo Valley. Families can choose convenient home delivery or select community pickup locations.
Does Good Box Organics deliver to Pasadena?
Yes. We proudly deliver seasonal organic produce to families throughout Pasadena and neighboring communities, making it easy to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local schools.
Why choose a seasonal organic produce box for school lunches?
Seasonal produce naturally offers more variety throughout the year, helping children experience new fruits and vegetables while supporting healthy eating habits. A curated produce box also saves time, reduces food waste, and eliminates extra grocery trips.
How does Good Box Organics support local schools?
Since 2010, Good Box Organics has donated 5% of every participating order back to partner schools. Together with our members, we’ve raised more than $313,000 to support classrooms, enrichment programs, school gardens, and financial aid.
Where does Good Box Organics source its produce?
We partner with California family farms to bring fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables to families. Learn more about the farms we work with on our farmers page.
