According to a food expert, the “ideal” children’s lunch box should include a protein-packed sandwich, a veggie snack, fruit and dairy products.
Nutritionist Lucy Kerrison said it’s important to add one serving of starches such as bread, pasta or rice, one or two servings of vegetables such as cucumber, carrot or lettuce and one serving of fruit such as an apple, banana or orange. .
The advice follows a study of 800 parents who prepare packed lunches for their children, according to which the average child’s lunch box contains a sandwich, a packet of crisps and an apple.
A survey by Warburtons revealed that 60 per cent were concerned that their children’s packed lunches are nutritious and meet their children’s needs.
Sarnies were considered the “safest” option on the menu, with 20% adding them to their lunch boxes with the same filling every day – ham being the most common, closely followed by cheese.
Yogurt was the top “sweet treat,” followed by cookies and a chocolate bar.
The bread-making company has collaborated with nutritionist and Girls Aloud member and super-mother of three Kimberley Walsh before the school season.
They aim to show parents that basic lunches like sandwiches can be part of a healthy, balanced diet and keep kids happy.
As for their children’s lunchbox requests – the most common requests were to include a certain snack or juice, sandwiches that were cut a certain way, or to cut out their crusts.
Interestingly, parents spend almost 20 minutes designing and making school lunch boxes every day.
As a heartwarming gesture, 64% have left notes in their drawers for their little ones – to express love and affection, jokes or funny messages and words of encouragement.
Jonathan Warburton, from the bread company, said: “Preparing a child’s lunchbox every day can be a lot of pressure as we want to make sure our children are in top form to learn throughout the day.
“Research shows how many parents are unsure whether sandwiches are a suitable, healthy lunch option for their children, which is why we’re delighted to launch a campaign to help make clear they can still be a lunchbox staple.
“Most parents don’t have the luxury of time, convenience or money to feel like they’re feeding their children the most nutritious meals possible.
“However, Lucy’s insights help highlight how they can pack as much nutrition as possible into a humble sandwich to get the energy and nutrients they need.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Kimberley and Lucy to help parents feel confident and secure about putting them in their children’s lunch boxes.”
Speaking on behalf of the brand, Kimberley Walsh added: “As a busy mum of three, I understand the pressures of trying to make healthy, nutritious Packed Lunches for your children and it’s great to see from the research that other mums feel the same way.
“Working on this campaign with a nutritionist has really helped me realize that getting back to basics with a delicious sandwich is one of the best ways to make sure your child is getting all the right nutrients they need.”
Nutritionist Lucy Kerrison said: “While many parents want their children’s lunchboxes to be as nutritious as possible and feel pressured to do so, most don’t have the luxury of being able to do so – for reasons such as curious children and time. Bad mornings, convenience and affordability.
“That’s why sandwiches are great for lunchtime – the fibre, calcium, starch and carbohydrates are in the bread, and the fillings have essential fats and proteins like chicken, egg or ham.
“With Back to School right around the corner, we want to educate parents on how they are a quick and easy way to provide nutrition with recipe inspiration and top tricks to make it a little easier.”
It also found that 75% were unsure whether giving their child a sandwich for lunch was a healthy option, and 79% packed one as a main meal in their child’s lunchbox, although only 26% believed their pack was very nutritious.
Six in ten (61%) said the packed lunches they pack for their child are “somewhat” nutritious, with one in ten admitting what they don’t pack, with 39% struggling to keep things varied, while 34% struggle to maintain nutritional balance.
According to data from OnePoll.com, of the 34% who struggle to balance their child’s lunch boxes, 48% of their kids don’t eat the “good” items they add. And 42% have trouble finding shelf-stable products.
