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Lunches Packed at Home

Kids and school lunches - technology has taken us from sugar-sack lunches to modernized thermo cases that will actually keep foods cool. But how safe is the lunch you packed for your child at 6:00 A.M. in that thermo cooler by the time lunch rolls around at 12 noon, and sometimes later? Probably not very safe.

It's pretty much common knowledge that leftovers should be stored immediately after a meal. When temperatures begin to exceed 40 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria begins to rapidly multiply. So if you plan to pack your child's lunch, choose the contents wisely.

The School Cafeteria

If packing your child's lunch is a bit scary, why not purchase them a healthy lunch at school? I don't think so. Take a look at one ACTUAL school lunch menu and see what you think:

Monday - Pepperoni pizza or cheese pizza, tater tots, salad, cake.

Tuesday - Fried steak sandwich, french fries, cookie.

Wednesday - Cheeseburger and chili, potato wedges, gelatin.

Thursday - Ravioli, breadstick, green beans, salad, ice cream.

Friday - Sausage burger or fish sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, Birthday cake.

Not very healthy, is it? It appears that meals are prepared using the foods that most kids enjoy, rather than healthier menus. All of these foods can also be prepared with ease.

A Better School Cafeteria

Schools would do well to offer children healthy choices. This could be done with minimal ease - and is simpler than their current operations. How? They need to evolve into a true cafeteria, by offering basic nutritious selections and allow the children to choose one selection from each Basic Food Group.

Meat should be roasted, baked, or broiled - lean and properly cooked without sauces, gravies or mystery items.

Several varieties of fresh and cooked veggies for the kids to choose from - without butter needs to be available.

Several varieties of sliced breads such as wheat, oatmeal, and rye should be offered.

A bin of fresh fruit - unpeeled should be included.

Dairy products, such as milk are a must for growing teeth and bones.

What You Can Do

Though not all schools are guilty of offering poor nutrition, it's a serious problem that not's being addressed with the intensity it deserves. If your school is one of the thousands that offers unhealthy choices, discuss your concerns with your school.

In the meantime, check your school's menus and let your child buy on 'healthy' lunch days. When preparing lunches to take from home to school, opt for foods that do not require refrigeration.

Health and nutrition begin the day an individual is conceived. Good health is precious, and by teaching your child to eat nutritious foods, you're setting them on a path that will lead to a healthy, long life.

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