Back to School Week -- School Lunches

Rise to the top of the class with our smart suggestions for kicking off a green school year.

Tip #1: Eat Smart

Don't count the cafeteria out--ingredients for school lunches are usually bought in bulk (less packaging) and school chefs are notorious for recycling Monday's green beans into Tuesday's green been casserole (less food waste). In recent years, many K-12 and college cafeterias have improved their cuisine, offering more healthy, organic, and locally grown foods. But if dietary restrictions, food allergies, or personal tastes compel you to bring your own lunch, opt for reusable containers and minimal packaging. Chow down on smart foods like walnuts, berries, greens, and fish, which researchers claim are good for the brain.