Send us your Lunchbox Confessional
Tell us about the lunch you had, what embarrassed you and what you would tell your kid self now
Last year we asked readers to share stories about the lunches you brought to school that brought you shame. Whether it was other kids calling it “stinky” or asking “what is that,” these experiences made an impression. You responded with heartbreaking stories of being asked to leave the classroom to eat your lunch alone, of dumping lunches in the garbage that were cooked with love, of wishing you had Lunchables or a ham sandwich. You also shared what made the ethnic food your parents prepared special, the unique ingredients that were used, and how you now have an appreciation of embracing your cultural food traditions.
The only problem was we couldn’t share all your stories.
So, as kids head back to school in the coming weeks, we’re asking again. Send us your lunchbox confessional, the food that you brought to school that made you stand out or drew the ire of your classmates.
We’d also like to hear if your classmates embraced your lunch, maybe it was a starting point for a conversation or a way to start a dialogue about your culture. Maybe you found a shared experience with one of your classmates.
With current trends moving toward eating more fresh vegetables and fruit, we’re also looking to explore how homecooked meals are superior nutritionally. Most kids would love to have a slice of pizza or a hot dog for lunch every day, but eating something that was freshly prepared with lots of vegetables fosters habits that stay with kids into adulthood.
If you’ve got a story or photo to share, use #lunchboxconfessional on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or email me at swilloughby@thestar.ca and we’ll publish a selection online and in the Star’s Life section.