Consider “variety” when packing food for school lunches.  Try to include:

• Fruits – fresh or canned, preferably unsweetened or packed in water instead of syrup
• Vegetables – carrot sticks, snap peas, bell peppers
• Grains – bread, crackers, tortillas, rice
• Protein rich foods – meat, dairy, seeds, beans, eggs

Limit highly processed foods such as packaged cookies or fruit gummies as occasional treats, and focus on packing nutrient-dense foods regularly.  Include a water bottle to help your child stay hydrated. 

Example of a balanced morning snack and lunch for school:

SNACK: homemade banana muffin + mandarin orange

LUNCH: pasta salad with cheese, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with hummus, apple slices and yogurt

For more resources on healthy living or to learn more about TBRHSC’s Paediatric Healthy Living Program, please visit our website at bit.ly/Paediatric-Healthy-Living-Program