School lunches are often cheap and nutritionally deficient because school districts have very tight budgets. We shouldn’t put blame on the schools for not putting more effort into the nutritional value of lunch for it’s not the fault of the school. Parents can however, take it upon themselves to make sure children are eating healthier lunches.
Preparing a child’s lunch from home can help you gain some peace of mind that he or she is eating properly – although we can’t monitor the child to ensure they are eating what we send! How can we pack a lunch that is nutritious yet has a better chance of being eaten rather than traded?
1. Lunch Bags – Instead of using the brown paper sack from the days of our childhood, we have the option of using those that are cloth-like and insulated. A reusable ice block can make sure everything in these bags stays a cool temperature to reduce spoilage. Reusable containers can keep the foods separated while in the lunch bag. The overall investment could be less than $20 and could last for several years as long as the items are taken care of.
2. Juices and Water – Now that we have the bag and containers picked out, what do we load it with? A small bottle of water and a small bottle of juice can be added. You could put milk in as well, but water and juice won’t spoil if the temperature gets too warm. These can be reusable bottles as well, but still emphasize proper recycling if they are not.
3. Snacks – Some parents will feel justified to add a light snack in the form of a cupcake or other tasty treat. In actuality, fruits can be just as sweet. In fact, dried fruits or trail-mix would be far superior as the vitamins and proteins can help keep the child’s energy level up. Sugars can give a boost of energy, but it will be temporary and your child could become quite lethargic if he or she isn’t eating properly.
4. Main Course – Commonly, sandwiches are loaded in “sack” lunches from home. However, the right container can allow you to add soups, salads, and a great deal more options for day-to-day eating. If you want to provide an increased chance that your child will eat what you send with them, allow them to pick for themselves when you are shopping for the week. A few other great choices to include in healthy school lunches are hard boiled eggs, dried meat, and cheese sticks. Having lots of protein for lunch helps kids stay fuller longer.
As long as you’re adhering to proper portion sizes for your child, sending a lunch with them to school shouldn’t cost much more than what the school provides already. Even if it is, the most important aspect you must remember is that the lunch you are sending is far more nutritious that a budgeted meal can be within the school district.