Rice Krispies Now Has Lunch Box “Love Notes” For Blind Children

Have you ever put a note of encouragement in your children’s lunch bag? Or perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of one, enjoying the pick-me-up just a small note of love can give you.

It’s a simple gesture you’ve probably not thought much about, but for the parents of children with a visual impairment, it’s not as easy as quickly writing something on a sticky note and placing it on a sandwich. These kids might also feel excluded when those around them read the notes their parents packed in their lunch.

Realizing there are 62,000 visually impaired children in schools across the United States who simply can’t see these written notes, Kellogg’s is offering a new product just in time for the back-to-school season.

While Rice Krispies Treats already offers writeable wrappers, the brand was inspired by Eme Butler-Mitchell, an 11-year-old blind student, to partner with the National Federation of the Blind and include Braille and audio devices with their marshmallowy treats.

Each Braille sticker sheet includes eight uplifting phrases for parents to share with their children, like “You’ve Got This” and “Love You Lots.” For children who are auditory learners or don’t read Braille, the re-recordable audio box holds a Rice Krispies Treats crispy marshmallow square inside, and when opened, plays a 10-second pre-recorded auditory message.

These specialized “Love Notes” are available to order by visiting Rice Krispies website at no charge, while supplies last. 

W.K. Kellogg, founder of The Kellogg Company, was blind for the last decade of is life, so the company says being inclusive is simply in their DNA. “Everyone is important,” said Jessica Waller, vice president of sales at Kellogg. “We want each child to be able to feel loved, supported and acknowledged.”