What’s In Your Child’s Lunchbox?

It takes a lot of time and planning to make lunches for your kids, especially now that the school year is ending and they may already be burnt out on the same ol’ options. It’s not easy finding healthy but fun and good-tasting foods that they will actually eat.

sunshinennackmixHere are a few ideas (courtesy of www.school-lunch-ideas.com) to pack in some healthy fun in your kids’ lunches:

  • Sandwich shapes. Use cookie cutters to turn a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a fun shape.
  • Roll ‘em up. Instead of a traditional sandwich, spread a tortilla with cream cheese and salami, or peanut butter and raisins. We’re big fans of the Pinwheel Roll-Up Sandwich.
  • Small bites. Cut up fresh fruit or cheese into bite-size squares.
  • Think small. Kids love mini muffins and bagels in different flavors.
  • Don’t forget a sweet little something. Include a small sweet treat, like this Sunshine Snack Mix with California Raisins (right).
  • Snack time. Throw in a box of California Raisins, rice cake or a baggie of mixed nuts – these are things that are easy to grab and eat during a short recess, and will provide an energy boost during class.

Many kid-friendly recipes for lunch and snack ideas can be found here.

Every once in a while, surprise your child with a special note or drawing. It’s sure to put a smile on his or her face!

May 7-11 is Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. Get your kids in the kitchen and make a special raisin-filled treat to deliver to their favorite educator. It will be a sweet surprise!

Here are a couple of our favorites:

Our Growers’ Favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

1 cup [...] Continue Reading…

Take Our Healthy Snack Challenge!

Think you have what it takes to choose healthy snacks with no added sugar for a whole week?

Then take our Let’s Keep It Real Healthy Snack Challenge on Facebook!

Once you sign up, you’ll be entered to win one of five California Raisin prize packs that include $1,000 and other [...] Continue Reading…

New Study Shows Routine Consumption of Raisins May Significantly Lower Blood Pressure

New research announced at the American College of Cardiology’s 61st Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower blood pressure among individuals with slightly higher than normal blood pressure, otherwise known as prehypertension. The study was conducted at the Louisville [...] Continue Reading…

Tomorrow is National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day!

We won’t get our own holiday until April 30 (National Raisin Day!), but we’re happy to share tomorrow with one of our favorite food pals—chocolate.

To celebrate, try this flavorsome combination today. Here’s a super simple recipe you and your family can try at home as a special treat:

Chocolate-Covered Raisin [...] Continue Reading…