Call For Parents To Pack Healthier Lunchboxes

Parents are being urged to choose a healthier option when packing school lunches for their children.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is advising parents not to include sugary drinks and snacks high in added sugar, fat and salt, and to remember that children only need kid-sized portions.

Jennifer McBratney, Health and Wellbeing Senior Officer at the PHA, said: "There are many options when choosing what to pack, but picking the healthier option can help with pupils’ concentration and behaviour in the classroom.

"Encouraging children and talking to them about choosing healthier foods, is an important step in establishing good eating habits that will benefit children throughout their lives, helping them to stay a healthy weight."

"Young children have a small capacity for food but also have high energy and nutrient requirements. Three daily meals are often not enough to provide all the nutrients they require, therefore healthy snacks between meals are very important. Including fruit and vegetables as snacks for morning break will also help them get their five a day."

(CD)