The end of summer is near, and as the days grow shorter, many have been preparing for back-to-school season. Here at Seward Co-op, we’re ready to help students of all ages gear up to start the new school year on their best foot. We’ve got sustainable containers, a variety of snacks (create your own in the Bulk department!), and quick meal options to ease you into another busy season. Plus, from Aug. 20–Sept. 2, shop a cartful of buy one get one free deals and other great sales to keep you fueled while your brain gets schooled.

Sustainable Snacking Supplies

Our stores have many options to help you skip the brown bags and opt instead for reusable lunch containers. ChicoBag snack and sandwich bags are an easy-to-clean option for snacks and drier lunches. Flexible, reusable snack bags are stronger and last much longer than your standard zip-top plastic baggies, plus they come in cute designs and colors. Try hand-washable Stasher bags, or machine-washable Now Designs snack, sandwich, and foldable insulated lunch bags. Don’t forget your own reusable cutlery like sustainably-sourced bamboo utensils, to cut down on single-use plasticware.

Afterschool Snacks and On-the-Go Bites

Stay fueled and focused for a day of learning or maintain motivation during a homework marathon with snacks from the co-op! Fresh fruit and nut combos are great for a burst of natural sugar and healthy fats to keep you satisfied and concentrating. Try organic apples and freshly-ground peanut butter from the Bulk department. In a pinch or when you’re on the move, the Bulk aisle has countless dried fruits, nuts, and other tasty options for creating your own snack mixes. Don’t forget to bring your own container to stock up sustainably!

Craving savory? Bring together pretzels, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, baby carrots and hummus, like locally-made Community Foods producer Baba’s. Smoked string cheese, Ferndale turkey sticks, and fresh fruit split the difference with a sweet and savory combo that is sure to satisfy.

Quick Meal Options

Sometimes the best way to prepare for hectic school schedules is with a well-stocked freezer or fridge. Focus on the afterschool activities, because Seward Co-op has dinner covered. Stop by the frozen food aisles for premade frozen meals, made fresh in-house, from scratch by Seward Co-op’s talented kitchen staff. Enjoy comfort food favorite Shepherd’s Pie without the prep work, enchiladas, lasagna, or chicken or wild rice pot pies. No time to pre-heat the oven? Swing through our Franklin or Friendship store to pick up the Hot Bar for dinner – and don’t forget to stock up on leftovers for meals throughout the week.

BOGO Your Way Back to School

From Aug. 20–Sept. 2, Seward Co-op will be *chalk*-full of buy one get one free deals. From easy Annie’s mac and cheese to sweet Crofter’s jam for you PB&Js, there are plenty of back-to-school BOGO favorites. Check out all of our specials before you shop!