'Game changer': Aussie mum's brilliant idea becomes lucrative lunchbox business
As a time-poor parent, one of the most dreaded tasks of the day can be packing your child's lunchbox.
You're late, they're late and there's nothing in the fridge. What do you do?
Instead of sending them off to the school canteen (again), there is now a great (and healthy) alternative.
Mum and dietitian Cara Aprile from Brisbane launched the first home-delivered lunchboxes for busy Aussie parents. And business is booming.
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Cara Aprile started a lunchbox delivery business to help busy and stressed out mums and dads Instagram
Aprile, 35, came up with the brilliant idea while packing her daughter's daycare lunchbox almost 10 years ago.
"I'm a busy working mum. I've got a daughter. I'm used to packing lunches 5:30am, getting up early, missing out on that extra hour of sleep each morning," she tells TODAY Extra host David Campbell.
"I wanted to help the parents of Australia with one of the most mundane tasks we all have to do each day."
Lilly's Little Lunchbox sells a range of pre-packaged lunchboxes, starting from $10 a pack, which are delivered on a weekly basis to homes, schools and daycare centres. She also more recently added smoothies to her online shop.
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"In every meal, we incorporate the five core food groups," Aprile explains. "So that's extremely important, as over 91 per cent of children aren't eating their recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables."
"It's an alarming statistic, so that's why we're here to help with that."
Since launching in September 2021, her business has delivered over 10,000 lunches in Queensland and NSW with plans to expand further around the country.
Aprile is also inviting Australians to come on board and own shares in Lily's Little Lunchbox.
"Are you ready to join us on our mission to be the world's largest and healthiest tuckshop - and command a share of an industry worth $1.5 billion in Australia?"
Aprile with daughter Lily - the inspiration behind her booming lunchbox business Instagram
Parents are loving the idea, with many leaving positive comments and praise across social media.
"Oh my god. This is a game changer," said former Olympic swimmer and mum Susie O'Neill.
"Thank you! You've made our mornings so much easier," said another Queensland mum.
So, how can parents get in on this?
"It's very, very simple," Aprile tells TODAY Extra. "Head to our website. Place a subscription order. You just set and forget. You never have to think about lunches again. They will be delivered to your door weekly.
"We'll do the rest for you."