10 tips for packing your child's school lunch - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, Sept, 2001

Children can really benefit nutritionally from a home pre-packed lunch, but only if they eat what's inside. Below are some tips on how to make lunches more exciting and healthy for your child this year.

1. Cut cheese into triangles, circles or sticks.

2. Use a cookie cutter on sandwiches to make shapes.

3. For a change, substitute soup or salad for a sandwich.

4. Layer meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables on a toothpick as a kabob.

5. Substitute sodas with pure fruit juice, milk or bottled water.

6. Keep soft items in containers to avoid a squashed lunch.

7. Avoid the growth of harmful bacteria on food by keeping food containers and thermoses very clean, washing each night in soapy water.

8. When packing a cold lunch, use commercial ice packs or freeze any items you can, such as the drink, and it will thaw by lunchtime while keeping the rest of your child's food cool.

9. Although fruits and vegetables are important to include in your child's lunch, be sure to also include a dessert item so they do not feel left out or trade their food for any sugary item they can find. There are a number of kid-friendly organic cookies and snacks available at health food stores.

10, Instead of packing greasy potato chips, try crackers, popcorn, dry cereal or trail mix.