That’s in your lunchbox? Amid a long day of learning, there is no better feeling than opening up that glorious case to reveal an abundance of fresh-forward snacks. With new developments shaking up the snacking and convenience arenas, our industry has the opportunity to help students build healthy eating habits early on, creating a generation of lifelong produce lovers.
Your guide to back-to-school merchandising awaits…
“Back-to-school is the ideal time for retailers to promote their healthy snacking and grab-and-go segments. As parents and kids get back into their busy daily schedules and look for lunch options, providing fresh, healthy solutions that taste good and that kids are excited to eat is a great opportunity for retailers and suppliers to work together. In our house, we’re always looking to reduce sugar intake and include nutritional options for lunches. Taylor Farms Snack Packs, Mini Meals, salad bowls, and Mini Chopped Salad Kits provide convenient options for fresh fruits and vegetables that taste good and keep people feeling energized throughout the day.”
“Back-to-school is perfectly timed with the harvest of new crop apples in Washington State, with favorites like 3 lb Lil Snappers® kid-sized pouch bags and the outrageously juicy Rave® apples kicking off the promotion opportunities. Apples are a natural fit for back-to-school-themed ads and displays in the produce department, not only because of their convenience and snackability but also because they are the fruit that is always associated with education. Apples account for nearly 5 percent of total produce department dollars in August and September, a number that can grow through additional ad placement and fresh-focused promotions on seasonal items like Rave. From cross-merchandising opportunities and display bins to school-focused signage, Stemilt is eager to grow apple sales as kids head back to class.”
“Back-to-school season is an exciting time for both kids and parents, but it can also bring the stress of deciding what to pack for lunches or have on hand for after-school snacks. As prep starts for a new school year, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on healthy and convenient snack options that kids will actually eat! With current retail trends leaning toward health-conscious choices and convenience, these bite-sized veggies are perfect for parents looking to fuel their kids with fresh, tasty options. Add some fun to lunch bento boxes or create kid-friendly snack boards using our snacking line, including Angel Sweet® Grape Tomatoes, vibrant Wild Wonders® Tomatoes, and kid-friendly Sprinkles® Teeny Tiny Tomatoes. Their small size is perfect for little hands, and their vitamin-rich benefits make them a favorite among parents. During the back-to-school season, promoting these types of products can drive demand and inspire families to embrace healthier eating habits.”
“As the summer season winds down and the buzz of school activities picks up, having access to fresh, nutritious produce is crucial for families. It’s essential for maintaining healthy snacking habits and accommodating the hustle of back-to-school routines. Retailers have the opportunity to showcase the benefits of fresh-cut, pre-washed, and ready-to-eat vegetables in managing these busy times. Duda Farm Fresh Foods provides a solution with an assortment of celery stick sizes, ideal for an after-school snack or lunchbox staple. Celery’s versatility is also a plus; it can be enjoyed plain or paired with a variety of dips, offering endless possibilities for tasty and wholesome snacks on the move. For families juggling the start of the school year, these healthy, convenient options are indispensable.”
“Working parents’ short list of must-haves when it comes to packing school lunches for their kids—nutrition, convenience, and taste—now includes a fourth concern: price. While affordability has always been a consideration, it’s become even more crucial lately. Fortunately, fresh fruits and vegetables satisfy all four requirements. However, since kids’ expectations for taste, flavor, and variety are also higher than ever, the pressure is on parents to get more creative to make healthy eating the norm. The most successful produce managers are those who can give busy moms, dads, and other heads of households the tools, ideas, and inspiration they need to meet this ongoing challenge. With this in mind, Dole created fun interactives and educational downloads, novel recipes, and wellness articles for parents centered on bananas—still the perfectly sized and packaged item for back-to-school breakfasts and lunches—and our 125th Banana-Versary, a year-long celebration of Dole’s 125th year in the banana business.”
“Back-to-school season is filled with fun and excitement for kids, but it can be stressful for parents as they prioritize getting kids back into a healthy eating routine. That’s where Naturipe Farms comes in. Our fresh berries are a lifesaver—they’re not only nutritious but also something kids genuinely enjoy. This time of year also means the start of busy schedules—for parents and kids alike! Naturipe’s Berry Buddies and Boost and Bliss Bentos, packed with fresh berries, bite-size cheeses, cookies, nuts, and pretzels are perfect for running from school drop-off, to club meetings, to after-school sports, and everything in between.
It’s a win-win when berries are included in meals and snacks. They make it easy to ensure kids get essential vitamins and antioxidants, which are crucial for their growing bodies. Best of all, the bright colors and sweet taste make berries a kid-friendly option that encourages even the pickiest eaters to eat healthier!” 
