National Brown Bag It Day

Young adult holding a brown bag lunch, wearing a plaid shirt, with a sunny park scene in the background.. — National brown bag it day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Brown Bag It Day! Prepare yourself for an amazing journey into the realm of lunchtime creativity and frugality. This delightful day encourages you to bring your own lunch in a humble brown bag, taking a break from the usual fast food or dining out. So grab your lunch pail and join the brown bag revolution!

When is Brown Bag It Day?

It's national brown bag it day on the 25th May.

The Origins of National Brown Bag It Day

Believe it or not, the history of National Brown Bag It Day can be traced back to the end of World War II. As soldiers returned home from the war, they found themselves in a society that was rapidly changing. The rise of consumerism led to an increase in eating out, but not everyone could afford the luxury of dining at restaurants every day.

Enter the humble brown bag. A simple, inexpensive solution to the age-old problem of what to eat for lunch. People started bringing their own meals to work in brown paper bags, allowing them to save money while still enjoying a delicious and nutritious lunch.

Over the years, the tradition of bringing your own lunch in a brown bag has become a symbol of resourcefulness and frugality. National Brown Bag It Day celebrates this tradition and encourages people to take a break from the usual routine of eating out.

The Benefits of Brown Bagging It

Brown bagging it isn't just about saving money. It also has numerous other benefits that make it a great choice for lunchtime.

Healthier Options

Bringing your own lunch allows you to have greater control over what you eat. You can choose wholesome, nutritious ingredients and avoid the unhealthy options often found in restaurants or fast food joints. Plus, you can cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have.

Portion Control

With brown bagging it, you can portion out your meals according to your needs. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid overeating. You won't be tempted by supersized portions or extra-large servings!

Saving Money

Let's not forget the most obvious benefit of brown bagging it: saving money! Eating out every day can quickly add up, but bringing your own lunch can save you a significant amount of cash. You can use that extra money to treat yourself to something special or save it for a rainy day.

Did You Know?

In the 1950s, it was common for people to reuse their brown bags multiple times before discarding them. These bags became a symbol of thriftiness and sustainability, long before those words became buzzwords in our modern vocabulary!

History behind the term 'Brown Bag It'

1900

Origins in American schools

The term 'brown bag it' first appeared in the early 1900s in American schools. Due to the lack of cafeterias, students were expected to bring their own lunches to school. Many students carried their lunches in brown paper bags, which became a common sight in school lunchrooms.

Mid-1900s

Lunch breaks during the Great Depression

During the Great Depression, the term 'brown bag it' gained popularity as many people struggled to afford buying lunch outside the home. Taking lunch in a brown paper bag became a cost-effective and practical option for workers and students alike.

1960s

Civil Rights Movement influences

In the 1960s, the term 'brown bag it' gained a secondary meaning influenced by the Civil Rights Movement. It was used as a way to describe the practice of bringing one's own food to avoid discriminatory practices at segregated lunch counters. African Americans, unable to dine at certain establishments, would bring their meals in brown bags instead.

Modern Day

Symbol of thriftiness and self-sufficiency

Today, 'brown bag it' has become a common phrase used to describe bringing one's own lunch from home as a way to save money, eat healthier, or customize meals. It has also evolved into a symbol of self-sufficiency and resourcefulness.