School Lunches: What can we do?

From the desk of Kim Gubbins, CPNPWe are three months into the new school year and do school lunches have you stressed, bored and lacking? Are your kids already complaining about the same old same old and wishing they could just eat hot lunch pizza everyday? So, let ’s get inspired and figure out fresh new lunch ideas.I know schools are working harder at feeding our children a healthier lunch, but let me honest, most school cafeterias are serving pizza, burgers and fried chicken patties on a daily basis. And with 17%-20% of children in the United States being obese, I feel that packing lunch is a significantly healthier option (if possible!). I realize this may not be able to happen on a daily basis for all family situations, but even if it could happen 1-2 days per week, it would be great!Important considerations when packing school lunch:1.   Consider the school ’s food allergy restrictions. We need to keep all kids safe at school, so make sure you know the school policy on peanuts, tree nuts, etc.2.   Model my plate! Trying to pack a balanced lunch is important! (http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/myplate.html)3.   Think outside of the typical brown bag lunch. A warm, smashed, PB and J on white bread is a thing of the past. Get creative because your children will love it!4.   If you ’re eating well---you are performing well and learningwell! Many research studies support this idea. I always tell kids this...
Source: Pediatric Health Associates - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Food Allergies Healthy Habits Source Type: news