The Lunch Issue

The Lunch Issue features stories that celebrate our mid-day meal.

When we think about ways to create and sustain a resilient food system, a focus on lunchtime might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this meal, more than any other, is often eaten away from home, and as a result, profoundly affects food choices. Meal planning for midday, whether it’s leftovers at your desk, dining at a nearby restaurant or packing your child’s lunchbox, presents both challenges and opportunities in our efforts to support all things local.

The stories in this issue reflect the lunchtime landscape awaiting those at home, in the workforce or at area schools. Learn how the Duval County school system is adjusting to changes in federal requirements to create menus that are more nutritious and enable more sourcing from area farmers. Whether you have 5, 15 or 60 minutes for lunch, staying or leaving, read how area eateries have just what you’re looking for as they respond to shifting consumer habits and demands. Don’t feel like you can step away from your desk long enough for a healthy meal? Discover how, with some minor changes to your routine, you can take a break from work for a nutritious, delicious lunch. There’s much more in these pages, so let’s do lunch.

Finally, this issue also marks the first anniversary for Edible Northeast Florida. Many thanks to our loyal readers, subscribers and contributors who have helped make this inaugural year so spectacular. And our gratitude extends to the advertisers who have shared our vision and commitment to local. It is with their support that we’re able to share Edible Northeast Florida with you.  We look forward to another year of providing a community platform for the discussion and celebration of our region’s evolving food system.

We love hearing from you, so drop us a note and tell us what’s on your mind. Follow us on social media @edibleneflorida. Oh, and let us know how you #dolunch!

Lauren Titus, Editor

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STORIES & RECIPES FROM THE LUNCH ISSUE