Packed Lunches
School meals are a great choice for your child, but we recognise that some children may wish to consume food provided by home at lunchtime. At Echelford we provide facilities for pupils bringing in packed lunches and ensure that free, fresh drinking water is readily available.
It is recommended that packed lunches comprise of the following:
- A starchy food such as bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes or other cereals.
- At least one portion of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Meat, fish or other source of non-dairy protein.
- Oily fish, such as salmon, at least once every three weeks.
- Dairy food such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard.
- Only still water, fruit juice, semi-skimmed milk, yoghurt or milk drinks and smoothies. These should be in plastic bottles or cartons.
We recommend that packed lunches are stored in an insulated food bag. In summer months a freezer block will help to reduce the possibility of food deteriorating.
Packed lunches must not include:
- Nuts or nut based products, including muesli bars, peanut butter and chocolate spread (e.g. Nutella)
- Chocolate bars or sweets
- Fizzy drinks
Special diets
We recognise that some pupils may have verified medical conditions requiring special diets that do not allow for the standards to be met exactly. In this case parents are urged to be responsible in ensuring that packed lunches are as healthy as possible. If you would like further support to develop healthy eating habits with your child please speak to their class teacher and they will direct you to the relevant support.
Monitoring and reviewing of packed lunches
Packed lunches will be regularly reviewed by teaching staff/catering staff/midday meal supervisors. If it is felt necessary parents will be called.
Links:
Below are some links that have further information and ideas about healthy packed lunches:
NHS Change4Life have lots of recipes for every meal in the day, including a section about Packed Lunches:
https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes
NHS Eatwell Guide provides lots of information about what a healthy diet consists of as well as some interesting recipes for snacks:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/
The British Nutrition Foundation has lots of information about healthy packed lunches:
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/helpingyoueatwell/healthypackedlunches.html