Packing healthy foods for kids is one of the best ways to support them through school. It’s a time when their bodies are growing and developing so nutritional needs can be high. So, with the school term around the corner, here are some back to school healthy lunchbox tips.

  • Involve children in preparing and packing their lunchboxes – giving them in a say and a role in this means they’re more likely to eat it.
  • Freeze things like yoghurt and fruit pieces in the warmer months – it helps them stay cool until it’s time to eat them, and keeps the whole lunchbox cool too.
  • Plan ahead and prepare some things on weekends or the night before – this can help ensure a nutritious lunch is packed, even with busy mornings. For example, cut up vegetable sticks and make your own snack packs from fresh ingredients that can be bought in bulk. You could also make lunches in advance that can be frozen, like cheese and Vegemite sandwiches or lean meat in a roll. Keep healthy pantry staples that can easily be put in the lunchbox when you are short on time, like long-life milk poppers and fruit in natural juice.
  • For Crunch&Sip break, pack either fresh vegetables or fruit (whole or chopped), fresh vegetables or fruit canned in natural juice (no added sugar).
  • Remember to include a refillable drink bottle. Water is the best choice of drink as it is readily available, great for hydration, contains no sugar and when fluoridated, can help strengthen teeth. Milk is also a good option – it provides protein and calcium, important nutrients for growing children – just remember to keep it cold.
  • For a healthy lunchbox, choose foods from each of the five food groups – vegetables and legumes or beans, fruit, protein, grain (cereals), and dairy and dairy alternatives.

For more inspiration, check out these great healthy lunchbox examples and find the combos your child loves most.

For ideas to prepare easy, low-cost and nutritious meals and snacks, take a look at these nutrition on a budget resources from the Public Health Nutrition team at Central Coast Health.