Late July Organic Snacks

I've tried to raise my sons to have a strong bond with animals and nature and to treat all living things with respect.  This is one of the reasons we were so excited to work with Dr. Jane Goodall and decided to donate profits from our new mini cookies to her institute.  Late July worked with Dr. Goodall to choose seven animals for our new cookies out of the many wonderful stories of hope in her new book. Through this experience we learned that the efforts of just one person can sometimes be enough to save an entire species. After much deliberation we selected the red wolf, leatherback sea turtle, chimpanzee, Sumatran rhino, giant panda, pygmy rabbit and the black footed ferret - all of which have been brought back from the brink of extinction through the efforts of dedicated individuals like Dr. Goodall. 

We have always believed that giving back needs to be a central part of Late July and doing this project with the Jane Goodall Institute has allowed us to support a long time personal hero of mine.  We are currently looking for other individuals like Dr. Goodall with charitable organizations to work with for our next new products and would love to hear your suggestions! 

For a chance to win a signed copy of Hope For The Animals, email us at info@latejuly.com or post a comment on our facebook page describing a person or an organization you think we should consider and why.  Please put "Late July should support" in the subject line or comment. One entry will win the book, but all entries will receive Late July coupons. Deadline is October 31st.

"These delightful cookies are delicious, and they're making a difference!  Each day, with every choice you make, you can make a difference too-even when you're at the local market. These cookies will not only educate parents and children about endangered species, but they'll help the Institute continue its critical work." -Dr. Jane Goodall

It's official, my family was on time every day for the 1st week of school.  I'd like to think it was my careful planning that made it possible, but I think it was more likely the fact that both sons were so excited they were waiting by the door 15 minutes early each day!  On the lunch box front, I thought I'd share their top lunch box favorites from week one.  Please tell us your success stories too, as a busy mom I could use the help.  I usually start to run out of creative ideas by week 3!    Share your ideas in a comment at latejuly.com or on our facebook page.  Our favorite will get a free Late July lunch bag filled with snacks and a coupon for a box of free mini cookies! 

1.  Homemade banana muffins - I baked a batch on Sunday and packed them as their snack Mon & Tues.

2.  Late July Mini Sandwich Cookies - Milk Chocolate Variety.  These are my youngest son's favorite!

3.  Oatmeal Bread Italians - Rudy's Organic Oatmeal Bread, Applegate Organic Ham, Organic Valley Cheese, Cascadian Farms Pickles, Bionatura Olive Oil, Spectrum Red Wine Vinegar & a dash of Simply Organic Garlic Salt.  For my preschooler (not my 1st grader!) I used a cookie cutter to make a car shape.   

4.  Either an Organic Valley String Cheese or Stonyfield Yogurt Tube each day.  They loved these, but they did require an extra ice pack which didn't fit too well in my youngest's lunch box.  I'm looking for better ice packs.

5.  Late July Rich Crackers, Mini Apple Slices and Organic Sunbutter in a little container.

6.  Cucumber Sushi Rolls - The cucumbers were from our garden!  I made these for dinner the night before. 

Hope everyone's school year is off to a great start!

My father was one of the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk's original sponsors and throughout his long history with The Jimmy Fund was always a supporter of this annual event.  The walk takes place this year on Sunday, Sept. 13th.

In his memory, Late July has become a sponsor donating snacks for all the water stops and my mother, son and I will be joining the thousands of walkers.  Help us by visiting our team page, starting your own team or offering support along the route. 

The Jimmy Fund held a special place in my father's heart ever since he toured Dana Farber back in the 1980s.  He was especially moved by their work finding cures for once incurable childhood cancers.   I'm sure it will be an emotional day, but I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on my father's commitment to this very important cause.