Information for parentsInformation for parents

IntroductionIntroduction

• Eating well is important for children’s health and development

• A healthy, enjoyable lunch gives children the energy they need to learn, play and do well at school

A Healthy Lunch BoxA Healthy Lunch Box

A good variety of foods that fit into different food groups will help your child to eat a balanced lunch providing the energy

they need to do well at school

Food GroupsFood Groups

Foods generally fit into five food groups

• Carbohydrates = energy

• Fruit and vegetables = vitamins & minerals

• Meat, fish and alternatives = protein & growth

• Dairy products = calcium

• Fatty and sugary food (sugary drinks as well)

Carbohydrate FoodsCarbohydrate Foods

Bread Rice

Pasta Couscous

A sandwich or cooked pasta and salad would be good choices for this food group

Fruit and VegetablesFruit and Vegetables

• It is important we all eat lots of variety from this group at least 5 portions a day

• Aim to include two portions

• A portion is what roughly fits into your child’s hand

Meat, Fish or AlternativesMeat, Fish or Alternatives

Cold meat Hummus

Hard boiled egg Tinned fish

• Sandwiches

• Pasta

• Rice

Dairy productsDairy products

Milk Cheese Yoghurt

• Important for growing children

• Dairy foods are a source of calcium

• Bone development and teeth

Fatty and Sugary foodsFatty and Sugary foods

• Avoid including items from this group

• A small amount will be hidden in foods

– Margarine

– Mayonnaise

– Added sugar in a fruit yoghurt

– Sugary drinks

Your IdeasYour Ideas

We would like to encourage your ideas and input with the

implementing of our lunch box policy

Lunch Box IdeasLunch Box Ideas

• Ham sandwich, salad, yoghurt and a banana

• Pasta mixed with tuna, sweetcorn, carrot and baby spinach. An apple and a cheese slice

• Cold couscous and chicken pieces, raisins and a yoghurt

• Cheese and pickle sandwich, cherry tomatoes and small tub of tinned pineapple chunks

• Slice of cold pizza, carrot, celery and cucumber sticks, hummus dip. Dried apricots and a yoghurt

• Crisps and other savoury snacks

• Chocolate bars

• Cakes, biscuits and cookies

• Fizzy drinks

We are actively discouragingWe are actively discouraging

We do not allowWe do not allow

• Glass bottles

• Ring pull cans

• Flasks

• Swapping food

• Store it in the fridge• Vary the sort of bread you use • Cold cooked pasta – pasta salad • Put some salad in a small bag or tub• Add an ice pack • Encourage your child to help with the

packed lunch• Small carton of fruit juice or milk

Practical TipsPractical Tips

• For more information contact the school

• For more ideas

– www.eatwell.gov.uk

– www.change4life.com

– www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk

InformationInformation