Growing up on a dairy farm myself, I can appreciate the hard work and perseverance that Stew Leonard’s has shown over the years. When Stew Sr. moved to CT and started delivering milk on his own in 1921 with his farm Clover Farms Dairy, he didn’t realize it would turn into one of the world’s favorite farm-to-take grocery stores. And for good reason – cause even today, it’s a little like hand-holding for moms, especially when it comes to back-to-school.
Get ready – Back-to-School just took over my life (and Max is only 3!). So a lot of upcoming posts are going to all about this life-changing event – starting with grocery shopping for lunches.
The biggest thing stressing me out about back-to-school for Maximo’s first year is lunch. Ugh, I know – how first world problem of me! But eating (and healthy!) and making it every single day is a new routine I’ve been dreading. I am no where near those creative lunch types, even though we all wish we could be. So, I’ve been doing some crowd sourcing with other moms, and checking in with some of my favorite local stores on tips and ideas. One of my absolute favorites? Stew Leonards.
I never knew about Stew’s until I was visiting a friend in Riverdale (aka the Bronx for those non-New Yorkers) and she introduced me to this amazing venue that’s just a few minutes outside the city. I felt like I was back at home near the farm – there were so many fun barnyard references and items, I now shop here anytime I am in the area.
Since I’m a stickler (aka try as much as possible) for natural, organic food Stew’s is the original farm-to-table, so I knew they would be a perfect place to start for planning easy, affordable and healthy back to school lunches.
4 Healthy Go-Tos for Back-to-School Lunches
You don’t have to go out of control when it comes to making food and lunches – start with the basics.
1. Stew’s Naked line contains no antibiotics, added hormones or preservatives, and are raised and harvested humanely according to the rigorous quality and safety standards promised by their farmers. Stew Leonard’s has a great relationship with their ranchers, who run family businesses and raise some of the finest beef you‘ll find anywhere. Stew and his butchers personally visit the ranchers regularly to ensure there is a continued offer of only the finest, high-quality beef in the Stew Leonard stores.
2. Pre-made recipes and food items really cut down on time in the morning. Stew’s is also known for their delicious homemade items – including our favorites, Lobster salad, pre-packged deli meats and cheeses together (including the New York favorite Pastrami!), and homemade soups like Clam Chowder and Italian Wedding. They also have smaller, frozen pizzas that are great for throwing in toaster oven and having pizza on Fridays!
I also love to get in on the action! Being an active part and having fun is what life is all about – learn to kiss a few fish 🙂
3. In-season fruits and veggies. With one week of school under my belt – I’ve learned some important insider information – kids are more likely to EAT things you wouldn’t think they would in school. Apparently being around other kids and working up an appetite is good for the palate. I’ve been using some simple veggie cutters ($5 on Amazon here) that create cute shapes into simple veggies like cucumbers and zuchinni and he EATS them. Who knew? In-season produce is more abundant, and that means CHEAPER, so pick some up and test drive them in the lunch. If anything, you can always can them and have throughout the winter, too!
4. Eat the cookie. Stop trying to be perfect all the time – take time to enjoy life, and when someone offers you warm, fresh baked cookies – eat them. It’s okay if you throw some cookies in your child’s lunch here and there, or don’t have time to make everything from scratch. We all live busy lives, and the most important part of motherhood is learning to figure out your priorities. Great locally-owned stores like Stew’s are here to make your life easier – so take advantage. You’ll thank me later!
About Stew Leonards
Stew’s in currently located in Norwalk, Newington, and Danbury, CT and Yonkers, NY (only 20 minute drive outside the city!), and is also coming to Long Island in 2016! One of the original farm to table grocery stores, we still love how Stew’s sticks to their original concept of superior customer service, top quality, non-GMO and non-antibiotic food options and more. Visit their website for more details.
Thank you to Stew Leonard’s for inviting us up to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities with Stew himself.
It’s finally open on Long Island! Kids love stews all the goofy stuff to see!