A&P to Debut Reusable Lunch Bags

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. said yesterday it would roll out a line of reusable lunch bags, featuring bright colors and clever food-related expressions, at the end of February at all of its banners. The line, which will come in five unique designs, is made entirely from post-consumer waste materials.

The varieties are a black, white and red bag reading "Smile!" on one side, with a smiley-face image composed of kiwis, strawberries and bananas on the other side; a lime-green bag reading "Hugs & Knishes," with an image of the Jewish delicacy; a bright blue and yellow bag reading "I'm On My Munch Break," with a turkey-and-cheese sandwich on the other side; a red-and-white-checkered bag reading "Chow, Baby!" against a spaghetti backdrop; and an orange, brown and yellow bag reading "Don't give up the chip!," with an image of an enormous chocolate-chip cookie.

Ideal for school or the office, the eco-friendly bags are constructed from durable, easy-to-clean material and feature a separate front pocket for storing utensils or napkins. Additionally, a Velcro patch ensures that all items stay in the bag securely.

The items will be available in the dairy aisle at all A&P banner stores, at a retail price of $3 for two bags.

A&P operates 445 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the following banners: A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh and Food Basics.