Packing a Healthy Lunch Box
Most school lunch boxes contain too much fat, sugar and salt.
Current government recommendations are that a packed lunch should contain a portion of starch, protein and fruit and vegetables and ideally it should also contain a dairy product. By following these guidelines you will be providing your child with a nutritious lunch.
To help you pack a nutritious school lunch box, select one item from each of the lists below to achieve balance and get your pick and mix menu for any one day.
Remember to include a variety of foods during the week and also to pack a healthy drink. Diluted fruit juice, water or milk are the best options. Keep them cool with a mini ice pack and an insulated lunch box. Small food items can also be frozen when packed. These will keep surrounding food cool as they gradually defrost.
Starch
Bread – all varieties
Baguette
Bread rolls – all varieties
Pitta bread
Tortilla wrap
Scone
Crackers
Oatcakes
Pasta
Protein + Fruit/Veg Filling
Grated cheese or cottage cheese 
or cream cheese with cucumber, apple, tomato or celery, pineapple, mixed peppers, pickle
Egg – chopped or sliced (with cress, cucumber, tomato or ham)
Tuna (with sweetcorn, tomato or salad)
Ham (with tomato, pineapple)
Salmon (with cucumber or salad)
Hummus (with grated carrot)
Cheese spread (with tomato or celery)
Chicken or turkey (with salad or pickle)
Fruit & Veg
Any whole fruitFruit salad
Dried fruit
Tinned fruit
Fruit smoothie
Any raw vegetable
Cold roast vegetables
Dairy
Yoghurt 
Fromage frais
Smoothie made with milk/yoghurt
Cheese cubes
Milk
Milkshake
Extras
Fruit bread
Currant bun
Cereal bar
Fruit scone
Flapjack
