Fall is here, which means school is back in session! I remember school lunch when I was in elementary school, and have especially fond memories of my mom packing lunch for me. When I brought lunch I would usually have a sandwich, milk, a piece of fruit, and a treat, such as two small cookies. Although school lunch is being overhauled this year to increase fruits and vegetables and decrease unhealthful fats and sodium, what happened to simple brown bag lunches? Lunch was always my favorite part of the school day! I looked forward to lunch, to eating with good friends and having a break to refresh and recharge.

I think we should focus on getting back to basics at lunch. Instead of snack foods packed with refined grains and sugar, pick a fruit that will help your child stay satisfied and energized through the school day. This fall, fall for pears! Whether it’s a side for lunch, part of breakfast or a snack, pears are the perfect, packable, pick-me-up that your child will love.