The promotional products industry can't afford to ignore the brown-bagging trend that continues – driven by the slow economic recovery as well as continued focus on healthy living and weightloss.
There are many target audiences for lunch coolers, reusable bowls, thermoses, and more – all very appreciative of the considerate and practical nature of the gift. Nurses, teachers, construction workers, HR benefit managers (or as giveaways to employees and part of a wellness campaign), students, new gym members, daycare workers, weight loss club members,…the list is endless.
Packing your lunch for work or school does take a few minutes of extra effort each day, but the savings are astronomical over time. For people trying to cut costs, reach a savings goal, reduce debt – packing a lunch is a great way to reduce weekly spending. And you can more easily control your diet – you know exactly what is in that lunch you are packing.
Need to include some tips and tricks for packing a healthy lunch? Try creating a "No Excuses" insert card to add additional value to the promotion.
Visit norwood.com to view all the lunch-to-go items available – from salad containers to the latest in thermal-lined KOOZIE(R) lunch totes and koolers. Hundreds of color combinations and styles to choose from!
And just in case YOU are one of those people who always have an excuse not to pack your own healthy lunch – here are some responses to the 5 top excuses:
1) I DON'T HAVE TIME IN THE MORNINGS TO PACK A LUNCH
Well, nobody does. So do it in the evenings as your are making dinner or cleaning up afterwards. This is a particularly well-timed activity if you regularly take left overs for lunch. Supplement those left overs with some fruit or cut up veggies and you have a well-rounded meal.
2) MY WORKPLACE DOES NOT HAVE A MICROWAVE OR A FRIDGE
Go with salads or sandwiches that are just as tasty at room temperature – just don't add the condiments (dressing or mustard) until just before you eat. OR pack a cold pack or a frozen bottle of water into your lunch tote.
3) MY JOB REQUIRES ME TO DRIVE AND I'D RATHER NOT EAT IN THE CAR
Cut your sandwich into quarters or pack easy to eat cut up veggies, fruit and cheese. This will keep you from messing up your clothes and your car, but provide an nutritious lunch to munch while driving. And stick to water in case you spill.
4) I HAVE TO EAT OUT EVERYDAY TO NETWORK WITH CO-WORKERS
Really? Every single day? Designate 1 or 2 days a week as days "lunch club" days. Maybe Wednesday (hump day) and Friday (TGIF) are your lunching out days and the rest you eat in. Make lunching out even more of an occasion to look forward to by picking a theme for your lunch club – like taking turns finding interesting hole-in-the-wall restaurants or ethnic foods. Even if you bring your lunch to work 2x per week that will save you an average of $15 per week – $780 per year!
5) I JUST DON'T LIKE PACKING LUNCHES
You're not going to love it everyday, but you'll love the savings and the healthy outcome. When you're not in the mood, pack a trusty frozen meal or can of soup and throw in an apple.
~Margit Fawbush
