Among the many ways you can be a helpful and supportive parent, sending a care package is a favorite. Every student out there loves to get a care package for home. I don’t know about you, but I was always jealous of the kids I saw picking these up in the mail-room when I was in school! Of course, there are all kinds of ideas out there for care packages—quarters for laundry, fancy coffee, deluxe toiletries, replacement school supplies, and on and on. But no one can deny that “tasty snacks” is probably near the top of the “most wanted” list for most college students.
So here’s a great suggestion: why not send a fresh, delicious, and incredibly healthful gift box of Florida oranges, tangerines, or Honeybells to your student? This different but delectable care package will be appreciated by your student and his or her roommate, housemates, or fraternity or sorority brothers or sisters alike. Florida citrus is the perfect choice for busy, stressed-out students. Our sweet, juicy, easy-to-peel fruit is delicious and picked at the peak of perfection. Plus, unlike typical dorm snacks and junk food, Florida oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit are absolutely great for them, and all that vitamin C will their immune system.
Remember, while there’s nothing wrong with a box of mom’s homemade cookies once in a while, your student is now in a food environment that’s often unhealthy. The cafeteria probably has some good choices, but also lots of unhealthy ones as well. Parties and social events are likely to be heavy on salty and fatty snacks. And who out there didn’t eat a lot of Ramen and cheap pizza in college?
In fact, many college students turn to emotional eating to relieve stress, or rely on high-fat “comfort foods” that remind them of home. Simply put, they may use food to self-soothe. Alternatively, without parents there to guide them, some kids may just forget to include vegetables and healthy fruits like Florida oranges in their diets.
Time pressure is a factor, too. If your student is an athlete or has a part-time job or a very demanding course load, it can be almost impossible to find time for healthy meals and snacks. They may rely on Cup O’Noodles and vending machine candy instead. Many students also find it almost impossible to stop in at the grocery store and pick up the fresh produce we all need for good health. For a much better option, send your student one of our beautifully packaged boxes or baskets of sweet, fresh, healthy citrus. If a pick-me-up “taster” box seems the best choice, try our Fruit Sampler, packed full of juicy, tangy oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit. For a larger box to share, why not send a few trays of Tangerines and navels?
Having a student away at college represents an incredible success on the part of both parent and child, but at times it can be hard on mom and dad. After all, we still want to nurture the sons and daughters we love so much. Sending a delicious gift basket or box to your young adult reminds them that you love and care while also maintaining healthy boundaries. Enjoy the “thank you’s”!
