Lunchbox Hacks: Five Ways to Use Summer Produce

By Robin Long

There’s something about late summer that feels like standing on the edge of two seasons: the sweetness of summer still in hand, with the buzz of a new school year just around the corner.

As students get ready to head back to school, I want to share a little something from our market team to your kitchen: our favorite farmers market–powered lunchbox hacks. These ideas are kid-tested, vendor-approved, and full of the fresh flavors still pouring into the market each week.

Cucumber Pinwheels
Cool, crisp, and endlessly customizable, pinwheels are a go-to in our house. Spread a tortilla with hummus or cream cheese, layer on shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and fresh greens, then roll it up and slice. They hold up well in a lunchbox and feel just fancy enough to make veggies fun.

Watermelon Cubes (aka Recess Fuel)
Simple, sweet, and hydrating, watermelon cubes are one of the easiest lunchbox add-ins. Portion them into a reusable container and let the juice run down their fingers. That’s summer, right there.

We hear it every season: “Best watermelon I’ve ever had.” And, “What does the orange watermelon taste like?” Late summer is prime watermelon time at our markets, so don’t miss out!

Melon & Banana Smoothies
Melons like canary and cantaloupe blend beautifully with banana and a splash of orange juice or yogurt. Freeze the mixture into pops or smoothie cubes for a refreshing snack after the bus ride home.

Enjoy the melons while you can! When they’re gone, they’re gone.

Apple “Donuts”
A classic with a fun twist: slice apples into rings, spread with nut butter, and top with seeds, raisins, or mini chocolate chips. They look like donuts but pack way more crunch and nutrition. Early-season apples start rolling in as summer winds down.

Nut-free school? Swap in sunflower seed butter or cream cheese.

Farmers Market Bento Box
This one’s a favorite among our staff families: build your own bento with whatever’s in season. We love:

• A boiled egg
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced melon
• Cheese cubes
• A slice of sourdough or a roll from a local baker

Let your kids help choose what goes in the box after a trip to the market. When they’ve had a hand in choosing it, they’re more likely to eat it, and enjoy it.

Hungry for More Recipes?
Our Long Family Market Cookbook – 2025 is filled with more than 115 recipes from our market community, including lunchbox heroes, after-school staples, and family favorites. Copies are available at our market locations while supplies last. Stop by the Foundation tent to get yours!

Thank you for growing with us. For showing up with your baskets and your babies and your tote bags and your trust. This market, and everything it offers, is because of you.

Let’s finish summer strong and head into fall full of flavor and community.

– Robin Long
Owner | Chief Strategist | Chaos Coordinator
& Farmers Market Lunchbox Packer Extraordinaire