What is a Bento Box?

What is a Bento Box?  This is a great question.  The simple answer is that it is a home-made lunch packed in a box shaped container.  It's origin is Japanese, but other cultures have adopted it.  For example, I don't think most American moms are putting pickled veggies and fish in their kid's lunch boxes. BUT.....from my own personal experience, I pack cheese squares, fruit or vegetables, and a sandwich in a bento.  The Bento Box is also a more environmentally friendly option.  At the end of the day, you just pop it in the dishwasher and it is ready to use again.  Say Goodbye to those plastic baggies FOREVER!  Another cool thing about bento boxes, is that your kid will probably be one of the only kids with this type of lunch.  How's that for sporting a little bit of individuality?!  On a more serious note, the health advantages of packing your child a bento is the most important.  You won't have to guess if your child is eating chicken product or fish product for lunch. GROSS!  All in all, Bento Box Lunches are trendy and a more healthy option for your family.