This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #Dothe99 #99Obsessed

A Beautiful and Healthy Lunch on a Budget

It’s mid-summer and I already have back to school lunches on my mind.  Not just any boring school lunches, I’m thinking about fun and exciting lunches.  The kind that make the kids look forward to lunch time.  The kind that keeps them guessing and brings a smile to their faces every time the lunch box lid comes off.  The kind that nourishes them with a variety of healthy ingredients. And last but not least, the kind that doesn’t put a dent in the pocket book.  

If one of your goals this upcoming school year is to send your kid off to school with a colorful, healthy and delicious packed lunch every day, then this is the post to read.  I challenged myself to put together a lunch that any picky kid will fall for.  A bento box was the way to go.

Bento boxes are a great way to pack a well-rounded lunch.  The word “bento,” meaning “convenience”,”convenient”  or “useful thing” originates from China. It is also referred to the container where the meal is snuggly packed.  Bentos are anything but boring.  Cute is the name of the game, therefore many shapes, colors and characters are part of the experience.

Bentos don’t have to be pricey if you know where to shop.  I headed down to my nearest 99 Cents Only Store and I found enough bento ingredients to keep lunch unique for the entire school year.  I’ve been 99’d!

At The 99,  I found fresh fruits and vegetables for that beautiful pop of color and delicious ingredients to compliment this meal.  From crackers to string cheese, to cooked rice, seasoned tuna, juice boxes and great snacks such as fruit crisps, granola bites and snack bars.  The lunch ideas are endless.  And yes, everything for 99 cents!  I saved so much because I purchased this and more at a fraction of what I would’ve spent at the leading retailer.

Related recipe: Deditos de Papa | Potato Fingers

Onigri, a Japanese rice ball wrapped in seaweed, is typically made with sushi rice.  I found cooked rice pilaf at The 99.  All I had to do is warm it up for two minutes, stuff it with seasoned tuna and give it a cute shape.  So much time has been saved because it was easy as 1-2-3!

Since the rice pilaf is tan or brownish in color, I decided to shape it into a cute bear. This shape can easily be created with a piece of plastic wrap.  The bear’s face and ears was made out of slices of string cheese and cut out seaweed.  My main course was ready.

To give the onigri a complimenting side, I opted for an artisan lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes, carrot shreds and slices, goldfish crackers and pretzels and pieces of string cheese cut out with a cute heart mold.

Dessert included fresh blueberries, chocolate mushrooms, granola bites and a small apple.  A colorful lunch I must say! The 99 carries your favorite brands at a price that can’t be beat. There is always something new and exciting at the 99. You never know what you’ll find when you “do the 99” (shop at 99 Cents Only Stores)!

You don’t have to be wealthy to eat healthy.  The 99 Cents Store will keep you healthy and on a budget.  To find your nearest The 99 Cents Only Store, visit their store locator.  For more great money-saving tips, follow the hashtags #dothe99 and #99obsessed on social media.