Create A+ school lunches for your kids

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By Sylvia Blay RD – Special to the Sydenham Current

Did you know that healthy school lunches have benefits beyond taming a grumbling tummy? Eating well at school can help students pay attention in class, learn and be active. It also supports healthy growth and development.

The trick is finding foods that are agreeable to both you and your child. One way to do that is to have them involved in deciding what to buy for school lunches at the beginning of the week. The “A+ School Lunches” booklet from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit is a great place to start:

http://ckphu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Healthy- School-Lunches- ENGLISH.pdf

http://ckphu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Healthy- School-Lunches- FRENCH.pdf

It offers options in each food guide category that your child can choose from, based on preferences as well as some possible new items that may not be on your current grocery shopping lists.

Keeping budgets in mind, the food options can also be offered related to what is currently on special promotion at local stores. Involving children in food selection offers them some control and ownership over their lunches which may help them do a better job with eating well at school and being open to trying new things, while still giving parents control over the choices that are offered.

Thinking beyond cold offerings like sandwiches, leftovers can be a great alternative. Having a thermos on hand for hot lunches like soup, stew, perogies etc can be a great way to change things up. Discuss eating those foods first so they are still warm and enjoyable.

Once you’ve decided as a team, what you will buy or make for school lunches it’s important to look at packing and enjoying a safe lunch as well. Make sure to talk to your children about the importance of washing their hands before sitting down to eat lunch.

Add frozen food items or ice packs to help keep foods at the right temperature to avoid spoiling. Using an insulated lunch bag and storing the lunch in the fridge until your child is ready to leave for school can help.

Remember, healthy school lunches can be an important way to help your child to learn and play at their best and a little preparation can go a long way to make that happen.

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