Healthy Packed Lunches

At our school, we are committed to supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and ability to learn. A nutritious lunch plays an important role in helping children stay focused and energised throughout the day.

Article 24:  Children have the right to good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food and a clean environment so that they can stay healthy.

To support this, we ask for your cooperation with our healthy lunchbox expectations.

Lunchbox Expectations

• Lunchboxes should contain healthy, balanced foods.

• Only one small treat is permitted per day.

• Fast food items are not allowed, including burgers, chips, nuggets, pizza, or other takeaway foods.

• Children will be encouraged to eat healthy items first if unsuitable foods are included, and families may be contacted if concerns continue.

Healthy Lunchbox Tips

To help keep children fuller for longer and encourage healthy habits, you may find the following tips helpful:

• Base the main lunchbox item on starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes. Choose wholegrain options where possible.

• Freeze for variety – keep different breads in the freezer (wraps, pittas, bagels, wholemeal or multigrain) to mix things up.

• DIY lunches – wraps with fillings on the side or dipping foods can be fun and encourage children to eat more.

• Cut back on fat – choose lean meats, fish, reduced-fat cheese or spreads, and try to avoid mayonnaise.

• Mix your slices – if wholegrain isn’t popular, try one slice of white and one slice of brown bread.

• Always add vegetables – carrot, cucumber, pepper, celery sticks, or cherry tomatoes all count towards 5 A Day. Dips like reduced-fat hummus can help.

• Add salad to sandwiches and wraps – every little bit counts.

• Cheese wisely – use smaller amounts of stronger-tasting or reduced-fat cheese.

• Cut down on crisps – try plain popcorn or rice cakes instead.

• Add bite-sized fruit – chopped apples, berries, melon, satsumas, or halved grapes are easier to eat.

• Tinned fruit counts too – choose fruit in juice, not syrup.

• Swap processed snacks – dried fruit can be a healthier alternative to fruit bars (best kept to mealtimes).

• Switch sweets – choose malt loaf, fruit bread, fruited teacakes, or fruit instead of cakes, chocolate, or biscuits.

• Choose low-fat, lower-sugar yoghurts and add fresh fruit.

• Get children involved – they are more likely to eat what they help prepare.

• Plan for variety – changing lunchbox options keeps children interested and open to healthier choices.

Using the Eatwell Guide can also be a helpful way to plan balanced lunchboxes and meals.

Recipe ideas can be found on https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes/ 

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a healthy school environment for all children. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact the school.