Melodi Gilliard is trying to make a difference one lunch box at a time.
Gilliard is the creator of a new reusable lunch bag called Pooky Packs.
“I was making lunch for my kids once they started school and I didn’t like how much garbage was being thrown out from all the plastic bags from their lunches,” said Gilliard.
The Pooky Packs are lined with food safe, water-resistent material that zips shut, with colourful cotton designs on the outside.
The owner of Funfer All Daycare, Julie Funfer, is a big fan of the packs.
“I have been using the Pooky Packs at my day care since Melodi has been making them,” said Funfer. “I love how they are environmentally friendly, the food stays fresh and doesn’t leak and they are very handy.”
Gilliard started making the Pooky Packs when her first born entered kindergarten four years ago and accommodates her product based on her kid’s needs.
“I have a lot of cool fabric, my kids often help pick it out and tell me what they like,” said Gilliard.
The Packs come in a variety of sizes and feature several cartoons, action heroes or flowery princesses on the front.
Gilliard claims that her bags are a better option than plastic bags or containers because they’re easier to clean, they come in a wider variety of sizes, they’re not breakable and they’re easier to store.
As a kid, Gilliard wasn’t heavily involved in the craft scene, but the idea for her company name came from a childhood memory.
“My dad would always call me Pooky. I just figured it kind of went with the word packs and it’s fun for little kids,” laughed Gilliard.
Gilliard is continualy coming up with new ideas similar to the packs. Avaiable now are bags for trips to the beach, birthday parties and Christmas ideas.
The Pooky Packs are available for order on the Pooky Pack Facebook page and now at Friesen’s Country Tyme Gardens. Gilliard will be displaying them Aug. 22 during the Friday downtown market in Vernon.
