If you think a school lunch is just a sandwich shoved into a bag, think again. George Georgievski – aka The School Lunchbox Dad – has spent the last ten years proving that a little creativity (and a lot of heart) can turn a lunchbox into a tiny masterpiece. What started as a dad trying to feed his two daughters something nourishing, colourful, and, most importantly, fun, has now grown into a global sensation. The stats are staggering. Over 650,000 followers. Four bestselling cookbooks. Collaborations with brands like Sunbeam and Sistema. And, even a nod from American Express’ Departures magazine as the world’s most inspiring lunchbox creator.
In this article, George takes us behind the scenes of his unexpected journey. One that took him from building site inspector and barista to internet-famous lunchbox extraordinaire. And, sharing the philosophy that drives him: food should bring joy, not stress. And at the heart of it all? Family, care, and the small touches that turn an everyday meal into something memorable.
I never set out to become “The School Lunchbox Dad.” In fact, if you’d told me a decade ago that I’d be writing cookbooks, inspiring parents around the world, and demonstrating the power of a well-packed lunchbox on stage, I would have laughed, offered you a coffee (I’m a qualified barista, after all), and gone back to my day job inspecting building sites. But life has a funny way of nudging us toward who we’re meant to be.
My journey began the way many modern love stories do: in the kitchen, trying to keep up with two kids, a busy life, and the morning scramble before school. At the time my daughters, Anela and Kiara, were little and full of energy, and like most parents, I was determined to give them the best start to their day. When I first took on the school lunch routine, I looked online for ideas. What I found were perfectly plated pictures that didn’t feel achievable for everyday families, especially during the morning rush. So I did what any slightly stubborn dad would do: I worked it out myself.
I began creating lunches that were colourful, nourishing, and fun – broccoli that felt like it had personality, wraps rolled tighter than a drum, and snacks that were more than just something to fill a gap. Without realising it, I was shaping a philosophy that still guides me today: food should be joyful, not stressful.
I started sharing my creations online simply to connect. What happened next still surprises me. Parents began telling me they felt seen. That they too wanted to nourish their kids without feeling overwhelmed. That they needed something real, do-able, and maybe even a little bit fun.
What began as a simple act of care has since grown into a global community, now reaching more than 650,000 parents, carers, and food-lovers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Along the way, I have authored four cookbooks – Lunchbox BOSS, Lunchbox Express, Air Fryer Express, and Dinner Express – with a fifth to be released in 2026, and was honoured by American Express’ Departures magazine as the “most inspiring lunch creator in the world.” I’m committed to supporting healthier, more confident home cooking within communities while collaborating with brands I genuinely use and trust, including Sunbeam, Sistema, Australian Eggs and more.
But here’s the truth: the heart of this journey has always been my family. When I pack a lunchbox, I’m not aiming for perfection. I’m expressing care. A note tucked under the lid. A strawberry sliced just so. A familiar sandwich made with the good bread because I know what helps them feel grounded during their day.
Food connects us. That belief extends beyond my home. I’ve seen firsthand how a simple meal can nurture not just bodies, but communities. One of my proudest moments wasn’t a cookbook launch or sold-out event – it was helping a mum with a small business who needed to pay some bills. I shared her product with my audience, and she sold out. That’s the magic of community: when we lift others, we all rise.
So if there’s one message, I hope people take from my work, it’s this: you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a difference. A balanced lunchbox can be as simple as five ingredients – two fruits, three veggies – paired with whole grains, protein, and a little fun. You can batch cook, love your leftovers, or create a DIY taco kit before school (a favourite in our house). It’s the thought, not the complexity, that counts.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a culinary personality. But I did grow up believing that care matters. And I’ve learned that purpose sometimes shows up in the most unexpected places. For me, it was inside a school lunchbox.