School Lunch Boxes: Ideas for interesting, nutritional and safe packed lunches

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With today's centrally heated buildings, even cold winters can be hazardous to packed lunches, so the first thing to think about is how to make sure your child's pack lunch is safe. It's therefore worth investing in an insulated lunch bag or box.

There are lots on sale - from pretty girly ones to more macho boy ones - which are specially designed for children.

A good way of keeping the interior contents cool is to include a very cold bottle of water or fruit drink, however you can also fun buy mini plastic ice blocks in a variety of little shapes from cars to fruit which won't add too much weight you your child's lunch box/bag.

Finally, it's a good idea to place softer foods in rigid plastic boxes and apart from the usual Tupperware boxes which you may already own, there are containers which are specially designed for the purpose.

Also, try not to include the same protein ingredient every day, for example a balanced weekly menu may consist of the list on the right.

Same goes for fruit and vegetables. If you vary the colours your child will be more likely to get the complete range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Monday - Egg
Tuesday - Sliced Meat
Wednesday - Cheese
Thursday - Chicken
Friday - Fish e.g Tuna

Carbohydrates	Mini Pitta Breads, Tortilla Wraps, Mini Bagels, Small Rolls, Sliced Bread, Pasta Salad, Rice Salad, Bulgur Wheat salad
Proteins (separately or combined with a carbohydrate)	Small chicken drumstick, A small wedge of Frittata, Tinned Tuna, Tinned Sardines, Egg Mayonnaise, Hard Boiled Eggs, Slices of Chicken fillet, Grated Cheese, Soft Cream Cheese, Mini Cheeses, Sliced meats such as HAM and Beef, Cubes of Corned Beef, Peanut Butter, Hummus or Bean Dips plus Crackers or Vegetable sticks for dipping
Fresh Produce	Carrot Sticks, Cherry Tomatoes, Slices of Cucumber, slices of Sweet Peppers, Celery Sticks, Whole fresh fruit such as small bananas, pears, apples, kiwi or a few small fruit such as grapes, cherries or blueberries, chunks of melon
Dairy	Fromage Frais, Fruit Yoghurts, cubes or slices of Cheese, Cottage Cheese
Drinks	Water, Flavoured Waters, Fresh Fruit Juices, Squash, Milk or Flavoured milk
Snacks	Healthier snacks include dried fruit such as raisins, nuts, cereal bars, Olives (why not?!)

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School Lunch Box Ideas

Ideas for interesting, nutritional and safe packed lunches

Even if you're an old hand at making up packed lunches or lunch boxes for your family, below are some ideas you may find of interest to ensure your child has safe, nutritious but interesting food to tuck in to. They work just as well for adults, whether you're eating at the office or at home.

Lunch Box Safety Guide: Keep it cool - keep it safe

Keep Lunch Boxes interesting and Nutritious

Ideas for Lunch Boxes and Packed Lunches