National Pack Your Lunch Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 21, 2022
Fact-checked by Mannat Sharma
info_i
National Pack Your Lunch Day is an effort to revive lunchtime culture

Where is National Pack Your Lunch Day celebrated?

National Pack Your Lunch Day is primarily celebrated in the USA.

Who celebrates National Pack Your Lunch Day?

The unusual, fun event is celebrated by Americans and people around the world who are well-acquainted with the history of lunch boxes and thoroughly enjoy packing lunches.

When did National Pack Your Lunch Day start?

There is no record for the exact origin of National Pack Your Lunch Day.

Who started National Pack Your Lunch Day?

The founder of National Pack Your Lunch Day has not been found yet!

Home-cooked lunchtime meals can be a great source of comfort.

History And Timeline

The concept of lunch boxes came up with industrialization as most people had to go long distances away from their house to work. Instead of having to travel the whole way back or spending money on fast foods, people started bringing their packed lunches.

Initially, bringing your own lunch was a problem, considering there was no way to carry the food. This was when the concept of packed food and lunchboxes started growing.

Packed lunch food has led millions of people to spend less and maintain a healthy diet from the office to the school. So, let's learn more about its history!

Culture Of Lunch

The culture of bringing lunch to the workplace started in the mid-'80s as people could not get back to their homes for a quick meal, so bringing lunch was the only resort to stay energetic.

Mid-'80s

Concept Of Lunch Boxes

Early 20th Century marked the beginning of lunchbox culture as people started bringing small meals in their tobacco containers.

Early 20th Century

Vacuum Flask Lunch Boxes

Thermos lunchboxes started to keep food hot and cold as prepared.

1904

First Character Printed

Mickey Mouse was the first commercialized printed character on lunch boxes. These boxes were made for kids.

1935

Kids Lunch Boxes

Alladin Industries created the first television show-based lunch boxes for children named 'Hopalong Cassidy Lunch Kit' or 'Hoppy.'

1950

Traditions And Customs

National Pack Your Lunch Day customs include activities as simple as packing your lunch. People also invite their friends to prepare and enjoy meals together. Vegetables, fruits, meats, bread, all types of ingredients can be used to celebrate the event.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Pack Your Lunch Day

You can experiment with your recipes. The best way to enjoy lunchtime and a fun event like this is by doing something out of the box.

You may even invite your friends to celebrate instead of eating out collectively. Prepare lunch boxes and add a friendly note; exchange these boxes among each other like a cookie exchange party. Over lunch time, you can play countless games on this day.

Facts And Stats

  • The mid-'80s started the culture of packing lunch for the workplace as workers often could not visit home for lunchtime.
  • A handkerchief was initially used to wrap up lunch to bring to the workplace.
  • The first commercial character printed on a lunch box was Mickey Mouse.
  • The 1950s to 1970s era was heavily influenced by pop culture to advertise lunch boxes by decorating lunch boxes with idol images.

Who influenced National Pack Your Lunch Day?

The need to stabilize healthy eating habits and consume the benefits of home-cooked lunches led people to celebrate National Pack Your Lunch Day.

Who creatively led National Pack Your Lunch Day?

Children's TV shows creatively taught kids the benefits of lunch, right from including health ingredients to packing lunchboxes in the right way.

What are some advantages of National Pack Your Lunch Day?

National Pack Your Lunch Day creates a healthy lunch habit in people who can regulate their diet with healthy food choices with their own packed lunch box.

Who founded National Pack Your Lunch Day?

The founder of National Pack Your Lunch Day is unknown.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, March 10, 2020
  • Wednesday, March 10, 2021
  • Thursday, March 10, 2022
  • Friday, March 10, 2023
  • Sunday, March 10, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Mannat Sharma

Bachelor of Technology specializing in Computers and Communication

Mannat Sharma picture

Mannat SharmaBachelor of Technology specializing in Computers and Communication

As an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computers and Communication Engineering from Manipal University, Jaipur, Mannat is driven to take on challenges outside of her niche. She has previous experience as a senior marketing and sales associate as well as in branding.

Read full bio >