Parents often face the daunting task of packing nutritious lunches for their children, balancing convenience, health, and budget constraints. In response to feedback from local families struggling with this issue, Erin and Nick Matts recently launched Yum in a Box, a service designed to provide healthy meals for schoolchildren, especially in schools lacking canteen facilities.
"The more we spoke to parents, the more we realized the volunteer-run canteens aren't working very well for a number of reasons," said Erin Matts, co-founder of Yum in a Box. She emphasized the challenges many parents face, particularly those working full-time jobs, leaving little time for volunteer commitments. This gap in service prompted the couple to think creatively about how to fill the void and offer viable lunch solutions.
Yum in a Box offers a range of bento-style lunch boxes that come in various configurations, featuring nutritious options like fruit, vegetables, scrolls, and muffins — the latter being sourced from one of Wollongong's beloved local bakers. These meals are designed not just for taste but also to ensure children receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health and development.
Currently, the service is available at Coledale Public School, with plans to roll out to additional locations in Bulli and Bellambi. "The Coledale principal and the Coledale community have been great and really supportive," said Nick Matts. Their goal is to engage with several other schools to expand access to healthy lunches for more students.
The affordability of these boxes is also a significant focus for Yum in a Box. Prices are structured to provide cost-effective options, with five-compartment boxes priced at no more than $13, while two-compartment boxes start as low as $5.50. "If they could only spend $5.50 then they can still get something that's going to be a lot better for their child than what they would if they spent $5.50 somewhere else," Nick added, highlighting their commitment to offer a healthier choice at a reasonable price.
Erin Matts shared her concerns about nutrition in school lunches, referencing studies that underscore its impact on children's brain function and overall development. "There are studies out there that show the importance of nutrition on their [children's] brain function and their brain development," Erin stated. She expressed hope that Yum in a Box would help parents make better lunch choices for their children, combating the convenience-oriented tendencies that often lead to less nutritious options.
The initiative aims to tackle inequities in access to good food options across the region. "Nutrition sometimes gets overlooked, and because we're all busy and because there are convenient options out there that we can tend to move towards, but convenience is not necessarily always the healthiest option," Erin noted. This perspective deeply resonates with many families who wish to prioritize their children's health amidst busy schedules.
Community support is vital for the success of Yum in a Box, and the Matts are keen on fostering local business collaborations. They partner with local producers, such as Emma from Miller's, whose business philosophy aligns with Yum in a Box's mission of providing nutritious and preservative-free food that still tastes excellent. Nick Matts mentioned their collaboration with businesses like Darke's Forest, a local orchard that shares their commitment to quality, and they are in talks with additional local collaborators to expand their menu further.
As they expand their reach, the Matts were optimistic about attending various fundraising and P&C meetings to get more schools on board. "It's a funny time at the start of the year when everyone's got their P&C meeting and they're voting in new presidents and new this and new that. We're just sort of waiting for meetings to occur and answers to happen," Nick said, reflecting their determination to continue this journey despite the challenges.
Ultimately, Yum in a Box is not just about providing lunches; it's a mission to ensure every child has access to healthy meals regardless of their school's resources. With the Matts leading the charge, parents can find hope in this service that bridges education and health, fostering a supportive community for their children’s nutritional needs.
