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Healthy Lunch Boxes
The British Medical Journal recently publised a recent report that was carried out at Leeds University. It revealed that 99% of Children’s Packed Lunches do not meet the new school nutritional standards.
A child at school should have about a third of their daily nutrient requirements at lunchtime. This means they need food that are going to provide them with enough energy, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Government packed lunch advice
The School Food Trust has produced packed lunch guidance to support the implementation of the new school food standards for school lunches and ensure that all children benefit from eating quality food during the school day.
The School Food Trust packed lunch guidelines are:
One portion of fruit and one portion of vegetable or salad every day to be included in packed lunches
Meat, fish or another source of non-dairy protein should be included every day. Non dairy sources of protein include lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, hummus, peanut butter and falafel
An oily fish, such as salmon, should be included at least once every three weeks
A starchy food, such as bread or pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes or other cereals, should be included every day
A dairy food, such as semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard should be included every day
Free, fresh drinking water should be available at all times
Include only water, still or sparkling, fruit juice, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, yoghurt or milk drinks and smoothies
Snacks such as crisps should not be included. Instead, include seeds, vegetables and fruit (with no added salt, sugar or fat). Savoury crackers or breadsticks served with fruit, vegetables or dairy food are also a good choice confectionery such as chocolate bars, chocolate-coated biscuits and sweets should not be included. Cakes and biscuits are allowed but these should be part of a balanced meal
Meat products such as sausage rolls, individual pies corned meat and sausages / chipolatas should be included only occasionally
