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National Pack Your Lunch Day

Pack your lunch and join the celebration of National Pack Your Lunch Day - get creative with your recipes and make a delicious meal!
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When it is?
March 10
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to save some money and eat healthier on National Pack Your Lunch Day on March 10! This day has been around since the early 2000s as a way to encourage people to make their own lunch rather than buy it. Not only does packing your lunch help you stick to a budget, but it also allows you to know exactly what's in your meal and control portion sizes. So grab that sandwich bag and prepare for an awesome packed-lunch experience!

History of National Pack Your Lunch Day

National Pack Your Lunch Day Dates

National Pack Your Lunch Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Packed Lunches</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 1800s, workers and school children start packing lunches for convenience, typically in metal pails or paper sacks.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of the Lunchbox</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first commercial lunch box, resembling a picnic basket with a handle, is introduced by Geuder, Paeschke and Frey.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>TV-themed Lunchboxes</div><div class='timeline-text'>TV-themed children's metal lunch boxes become popular, starting with the Hopalong Cassidy lunch box.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1972</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vinyl Lunchboxes</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to safety concerns over metal lunchboxes, vinyl lunch boxes become the new norm.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Pack Your Lunch Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Pack Your Lunch Day is created to encourage healthier and cost-effective lunch options.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Pack Your Lunch Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan your lunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to plan out a healthy meal that you will enjoy. Consider the nutrients you need and what kind of food you like.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare your lunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather all of your ingredients and start prepping your lunch. This will save time and energy throughout the week.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Pack your lunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a reusable container and fill it with your lunch items. Don't forget to include snacks and drinks!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat together</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite some friends or colleagues to join you for lunch. Eating together is a great way to connect, catch up, and share stories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try something new</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Switch it up and make something creative with your packed lunch! Experiment with different recipes and cuisines to make it more fun.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Pack Your Lunch Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's economically friendly</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Packing your own lunch can save you a lot of money compared to eating out every day. Not only that, but it's also more environmentally friendly as there is less waste involved with bringing your own lunch than ordering takeout.  Plus, you're supporting local businesses when you buy ingredients from the grocery store!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>You get to customize your meals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you pack your own lunch, you are completely in control of what goes into your meal. You can choose nutritious and delicious ingredients like fresh fruits and vegetables that will keep you energized throughout the day. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try experimenting with different flavors and cuisines?</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Less time is wasted on food shopping</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you make packing your lunch part of your daily routine, trips to the grocery store for dinner ingredients or last minute takeout are a thing of the past. This gives you more time to spend on activities that are actually rewarding and enjoyable. So don't be afraid to give it a try - you won't regret it!</p></div></div>

5 Savory Facts for National Pack Your Lunch Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Packing Your Lunch can Lower Calorie Intake</h3><p class='facts-content'>Packing your own lunch gives you total control over your food portions and ingredients, helping you maintain a balanced diet and reduce unnecessary calorie intake usually associated with fast food or restaurant meals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First School Lunch Program started in 1946</h3><p class='facts-content'>The U.S. launched the National School Lunch Program in 1946, ensuring a packed lunch for millions of schoolchildren nationwide. This marked a significant milestone in lunch history.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bento Box, a Classic Packed Lunch Staple, Originates from Japan</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the late Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), the Bento Box came into existence as a convenient way to pack food for work and travel. It is regarded globally today as an art form of a perfect packed lunch.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The U.S. Armed Forces Popularized MREs as Packed Food</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since the Revolutionary War, the U.S. military has offered some form of packed lunch to its soldiers. The modern MRE (Meals Ready-to-Eat) was introduced in 1981 and revolutionized packed food for the military, outdoor enthusiasts, and disaster response units around the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Reusable Lunch Containers are Helping Reduce Plastic Waste</h3><p class='facts-content'>Packing your lunch in reusable containers can make a significant impact on reducing single-use plastic waste. A shift towards earth-friendly containers is an excellent step towards a sustainable lifestyle.</p></div></div>

National Pack Your Lunch Day FAQs

When is National Pack Your Lunch Day?

National Pack Your Lunch Day is celebrated on March 10 every year. In 2024 National Pack Your Lunch Day will occur on a Sunday.

National Pack Your Lunch Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Mar 10

Friday

2024

Mar 10

Sunday

2025

Mar 10

Monday

2026

Mar 10

Tuesday

2027

Mar 10

Wednesday

Food & Beverage Holidays