Lexington Launches Lunch Subscription Service for Students

Packed offers nutritious and diverse meal options for students.

News Summary

Packed, a new local start-up in Lexington, is offering nutritious and delicious boxed lunches for students. Founded by Becca Self and Wes Murry, the service aims to provide a convenient meal option for families. Currently tested in three private schools, Packed features a diverse menu appealing to students. Launching a direct-to-consumer option in January 2025, the initiative taps into the growing demand for healthy, home-packed lunch alternatives, aiming to expand its reach throughout the community.

Lexington’s Exciting New Lunch Subscription Service for Students!

Hey Lexington! Are you looking for a convenient and, most importantly, nutritious lunch option for your kids? Well, look no further! A new local start-up named Packed is shaking things up by offering delicious, kid-tested boxed lunches specifically designed for school students.

What’s the Scoop on Packed?

Founded by a visionary named Becca Self, who previously started FoodChain, Packed is all about providing wholesome and tasty alternatives to those often lackluster home-packed lunches. She joined forces with entrepreneur Wes Murry, a well-versed name in the business world as the co-founder of Castle & Key Distillery and the president of Hunsicker, the venture studio responsible for launching Packed. Together, they’ve created a service that has captured the hearts and appetites of families throughout Lexington!

Why Packed? Why Now?

Here’s a fun fact: approximately 40% of students choose to bring their lunch from home—even when there are free or reduced-price lunches provided at school! This sparked the innovative idea behind Packed. The founders were inspired to deliver a convenient, healthy, and yummy option for busy parents who want the best for their kids’ nutrition.

Currently, Packed is making waves in Lexington by testing their service at three private schools: Providence Montessori, Redwood Cooperative, and Lexington Christian Academy. Since the Pilot Program launched in the fall of 2024, Packed has successfully delivered around 400 lunches each week! And with menu options that will tantalize taste buds, it seems like they’re well on their way to winning even more fans.

How it Works

Here’s how it goes: families can sign up for a subscription service and delight in choosing from a diverse menu that features items your kiddos will actually enjoy. From Saucy Noodles (delicious cold pasta with a meatless tomato sauce) and chicken fried rice to beef burrito bowls and superfood salads, there’s something for everyone. You won’t find any pizza or chicken nuggets on the menu, but kids absolutely love the Saucy Noodles, indicating that they had a say in the choices being offered!

Each lunch is carefully prepared on Sundays in the kitchen at Julietta Market located at Greyline Station. The lunches are individually labeled with the child’s name, ensuring a personal touch as they arrive in time for school lunch. Parents who appreciate the convenience can try out a “set it and forget it” approach.

What’s Next for Packed?

Coming soon in January 2025, Packed has exciting plans to launch a direct-to-consumer option. Families will have the chance to receive up to five days of lunches delivered right to their front door! Prices range from just $6.50 to $9 per lunch. For comparison, fast-food options in Lexington usually fall between $5 and $7, while home-packed lunches generally cost about $2. Seeing the value in packed lunches is apparent for parents who want their kids to have healthy meals without the hassle.

The introduction of this service has tapped into a significant demand. Last spring’s pilot program indicated that elementary-age students are the primary audience, and currently, Packed serves around 40% of the potential school population in the three tested areas. Plans are already underway to expand into more schools, although navigating the public school system can be a challenging endeavor.

The Bottom Line

With Packed looking to broaden its reach and visibility in the community, it’s clear that this service aims to empower kids by allowing them to make choices about their meals—helping them feel more invested and excited about what they eat. So, Lexington families, if you’re in search of a nutritious, tasty option for school lunches, Packed might just be the ideal solution you’ve been waiting for!

Stay tuned for more tasty developments from Packed!