Lexington Launches Nutritious School Lunch Subscription Service

Packed offers a variety of nutritious options for school lunches.

News Summary

Packed, a new startup in Lexington, aims to simplify school lunches by offering a subscription service that provides healthy and appetizing meals for students. Co-founded by Becca Self and Wes Murry, this innovative service caters to the needs of both parents and children, ensuring that kids enjoy nutritious meals. Packed delivers lunches to three private schools and plans to expand its offerings to families soon. With customizable options and reasonable pricing, Packed seeks to alleviate the stress of packing lunches while promoting healthier eating habits among children.

Lexington Welcomes Nutritious School Lunch Subscription Service

In the vibrant city of Lexington, a new startup called Packed is stepping in to tackle common dilemmas faced by parents and their children when it comes to school lunches. Founded by Becca Self, the brains behind FoodChain, and Wes Murry, who co-founded Castle & Key Distillery, this innovative service aims to ensure that kids enjoy nutritious meals without the hassle.

Why Packed is So Needed

It’s no secret that many kids roll their eyes at the thought of cafeteria food. The reality is that around 40% of students already bring their lunches from home, showing a significant demand for healthy and convenient options. Packed recognizes this need and has launched a subscription service to alleviate the stress parents face while packing lunches—such as forgetting what to put in or simply running out of time!

How It All Works

Currently, Packed is delivering appetizing boxed lunches to three private schools in Lexington: Providence Montessori, Redwood Cooperative, and Lexington Christian Academy. Each week, about 400 lunches are prepared and packed at the Julietta Market kitchen located at Greyline Station. Families eager to try out this service can easily sign up for a subscription online and choose from a diverse and mouthwatering menu. Imagine unpacking a delicious lunch with options like Saucy Noodles, chicken fried rice, and beef burrito bowls, along with vegetarian choices. Plus, there are no greasy pizza slices or chicken nuggets in sight, making every meal wholesome and satisfying.

More Choices, More Fun!

Parents will appreciate the convenience of being able to “set it and forget it” with Packed’s lunches. Kids don’t just have to tolerate what’s packed for them—they can actually choose two side items from a selection of sweet and savory delights! This way, children feel involved in the decision-making process, which increases their interest in eating and trying new foods.

Looking Ahead

Exciting plans are in the works for Packed. Starting January 2025, they’re set to launch a direct-to-consumer option, allowing families to order up to five days’ worth of lunches to be delivered right to their doorsteps! Pricing is also quite reasonable, ranging from $6.50 to $9, depending on the school and portion sizes. With elementary-age children identified as the “sweet spot” for this service, Packed is already serving about 40% of the target school population.

Expanding Reach While Navigating Challenges

As packed continues to grow, there are plans to expand partnerships with more schools, although they face hurdles entering public school systems. Recently, Lexington School District Two has begun implementing a free breakfast and lunch program for families through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows schools with a higher number of low-income students to provide meals without requiring applications. This initiative aligns with USDA guidelines for healthy meals, making it a great step for the community.

Parents who wish to opt out of the CEP program have access to contact details for local food service directors, ensuring everyone has choices when it comes to their child’s meals.

The Bottom Line

Lexington’s Packed is on a mission to make school lunches not just nutritious but also enjoyable for kids, while offering parents a hassle-free solution to lunchtime stress. With exciting menu options, a straightforward subscription model, and future expansions on the horizon, it looks like Packed is here to stay, helping families enjoy nourishing meals without missing a beat.