For centuries, people have been having a box lunch. They have taken them to eat in their workplace and on planes, buses or trains. Today, we tend to prefer to box lunches only when we are talking about special events that ask you to bring a “Box Lunch.” Historical societies and events held at museums are well-known for referring to their events as “Box Lunch” affairs. Today, you can also arrange for box lunch catering for such events. Yet, what exactly is a box lunch and what is its history?
What Is a Box Lunch?
A box lunch is defined as a meal that is prepared for a single individual and placed in a box rather than a bag or lunch bucket or pail. It is usually something light. It is also intended to travel as on a bus or to a picnic.
What Is a Box Social?
A box lunch also forms an integral part of what were called box socials. These events were fund raisers for churches and other charitable events. In Virginia, for example, women prepared a box complete with a meal for two people. They wrapped the box carefully and decorated it. These were then held up for auction with men bidding on them and the pleasure of dining with the woman who made it.
This has since fallen out of practice but still continues in some instances. The major difference is men can now also put up box lunches for bidding on by women. The goal, however, remains the same. It is to raise money for some good or charitable cause.
Before Box Lunch Catering
In the days before desegregation and the rise of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, African Americans who traveled by train were not allowed to eat in the dining cars. For long journeys, they had to pack box lunches. The most common type of box lunch at this time was the shoe box lunch. Containing a meal packed just before departure, it became the mainstay of many African American families traveling on trains and even buses. This is ironic since many of those who were in the catering business, even supplying box lunch catering to some events, were in fact Black Americans.
Box Lunch Catering
Today, box lunch catering makes it possible for many individuals to savor a great meal and the chance to not provide their own lunch. Some employers turn to box lunch catering companies to keep their employees happy and healthy. Some employees rely on such a service when they cannot leave their desks or a meeting. Others find this an affordable way to eat healthy when they cannot afford the cost of accessing the only source nearby – expensive restaurants or take-out food or there simply are no such services close at hand. For some, box lunch catering allows them the chance to eat a good, fresh meal rather than any of the nearby alternatives – including the snack machines. Overall, box lunch catering services are one way to ensure all employees eat healthy and fresh, preparing them to work hard and restored with energy for the rest of the day.
If you are interested in employing quality Box Lunch Catering, talk to the professionals at Business Name. They are there to ensure you and your employees get a healthy, fresh meal that will provide them with energy while tasting great. To learn more about what they can offer, contact them online at Facebook or Twitter.
