Pack a healthy lunch box for children

Nutrition and Health information supplied to GrownUps by Wattie's

When putting together a lunch box for day care or school try to offer variety - think of the four main foods groups and aim to include something from each one if you can. For young children keep foods simple and easy for your child to manage. For older children try more adventurous foods particularly in sandwich or roll fillings.

Lunchbox ideas for child care

Depending on the age of your toddler, some of these suggestions may not be appropriate until a little older.

Fruit & veg
Mandarins (peeled)
Raisins
Grapes - cut in half
Banana
Apple slices (add a little lemon to prevent browning)
Kiwi fruit (peeled and cut in pieces)
Carrot sticks
Cherry tomatoes - cut in half

Meats
Mini meat balls
Luncheon sausage
Breads & cereals
Sandwiches (fill with cheese, ham, avocado, lettuce, marmite, egg, tuna, grated carrot)
Mini muffins
Crackers

Dairy products
Cheese slices or sticks

Snacks
Wine biscuits
Rice crackers
Fruit loaf

Lunchbox ideas for school

All of the above foods are great for school kids also or some further suggestions are below. Try to keep dairy or meat items cool by placing a frozen drink bottle in with the food, or buy a small chiller bag for your child to take their lunch in. Remember to pack a spoon or fork if they need it.

• Sensational salad rolls
• Grilled summer salad
• Chuckwagon pasta salad
• Mini spaghetti pies
• Mini cheese and vegetable tarts
• Pizza Nicoise

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