A Lunch Box Favorite From a Super Mom

When you’re a kid, a fine line exists between being a conscious eater and a weirdo.

Since my son’s had teeth, we have taught him about good food through experiences and explanation. With farmers’ market visits and frank family discussions, we’ve tried to inform, not indoctrinate, his world view about food. On whole, he’s been a good sport. He has more than a working knowledge of fruits and vegetables and has upon occasion asked a waiter, without intended pretension, whether a menu’s burger is grass-fed.

This path is not an easy one. Many of his friends can’t understand why we don’t go to McDonald’s or eat macaroni and cheese from the blue box. Even adults have asked why my husband and I don’t just let him be a kid.

Last May, I traveled to Washington, DC, with Pew Charitable Trusts for their Supermoms Against Superbugs campaign. Over the course of two days, it was clear what impact a single hamburger could have. Just one slider laced with deadly bacteria can threaten the life of a toddler or take down an otherwise fit young athlete. It’s not a risk that I or my son, for that matter, is willing to take.

This is just one of the reasons that we’re grateful for Applegate: a company committed to making products that I can feel good about eating and serving to my son. With a list of products that includes items comfortable on a kids’ menu, Applegate helps my son negotiate that fine line, allowing him to be conscious of the food he eats and still just lets him be a kid.

Apple-Cheddar Wrap
Makes 1

This has been one of my son’s favorite lunch box recipes for years filled with an assortment of good things.

• 2 slices Applegate Organic Smoked Turkey
• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 1/2 tart green apple, thinly sliced, rubbed with lemon juice
• 1 slice cheddar, halved

Lay the turkey slices onto the tortilla. Set the cheddar on top. Next, layer the apples slices on the cheese. Fold up the edges of the tortilla and halve.

Do you have favorite recipes to share?