5 tips for packing healthy lunches

Teach kids to embrace healthy eating

Nutrition education in classrooms is an important part of turning kids into healthy eaters. And while teachers may do a great job of educating students on healthy food, parents play the key role. Here are ways parents can support teachers and encourage kids to embrace healthy foods.

Lighten up lunch

Pack a junk-food-free lunch for your kids (if you have teens who make their own lunch, make sure healthy options are front and centre in the fridge). If all the students in a class are eating fresh fruit, vegetables and non-processed foods, a healthy eating environment will flourish.

Send smart snacks

For birthdays or holiday celebrations, parents often send in treats for the class. Stick to creative, fun, nutritious snacks such as fruit kebabs.

Share your knowledge

If you have expertise in nutrition or health, you could be a great resource for the teacher and students. Approach your kids’ school to see if you can present a lesson on healthy eating.

Connect

In Stratford, Ont., where I teach, we’ve linked farmers and chefs with local schools to share their produce knowledge and cooking skills. Talk to your school council about whether this might work at your child’s school.

Connect

In Stratford, Ont., where I teach, we’ve linked farmers and chefs with local schools to share their produce knowledge and cooking skills. Talk to your school council about whether this might work at your child’s school.

Volunteer

Most schools have a morning breakfast program, but many are under-staffed. Volunteer to help, or send in healthy food options.

Related:
• 15 healthy back-to-school lunch ideas
• 5 fun and healthy lunch ideas
• 5 tips for packing lunches kids will love