September is here and as summer 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 the best foot. We’ve got sustainable containers, a variety of snacks for even the pickiest eaters, and quick meal options to lighten your load.

Sustainable Snacking Supplies

Our stores have many options to skip the brown bags and opt for reusable lunch containers. Preserve snack and sandwich containers 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 having to use single-use plasticware.

Afterschool Snacks and On-the-Go Bites

Stay fueled-up and focused for a day of learning or motivated 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 for when you’re on the move, the Bulk aisle has countless dried fruit, nut, and trail mix options. 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 a well-stocked freezer or fridge. Focus on the afterschool activities, because Seward Co-op has dinner covered. Stop by the Friendship store’s 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 Shepard’s Pie without the prep work, enchiladas, or lasagna. No time to pre-heat the oven? Swing through our Franklin or Friendship store to pick up Community Foods sustaining hot bar for dinner – and don’t forget to stock up on leftovers for meals throughout the week.