We are seeing an alarming increase in the amount of junk and processed food that students have in their lunch boxes.

Not only is this physically unhealthy but also detrimental to their ability to learn through the afternoon sessions. 

While I understand that the cost of living has increased exponentially there is still the fundamental need to feed our children healthily and responsibly. 

Looking at prices in the supermarket at the weekend it seems that it is often cheaper to buy many of the healthier options. 

The students don't need packets of chippies, packets of cookies, packets of crackers or flavoured milk (we are a water-only school).

Let's think about a relatively healthy lunchbox that contains:

An apple or banana, some carrot sticks, a cheese sandwich or two and a sugar-free muesli bar or a healthy item of home baking. 

I would think that this lunch could be provided for an approximate cost of $3.00 to $3.50.

If we also consider that we can change our buying habits to fit in with seasonal produce then this cost can come down further. 

Let's compare this to the cost of a lunchbox that contains a squeezy yoghurt, a chocolate bar, a packet of crackers, a flavoured milk, a chocolate doughnut and some chippies (all of which are regularly visible in our student's lunches).

Some quick research tells me that this second lunch box would cost approximately $5.00 - $6.00.

Not only is the healthier lunch box nearly half the price of the unhealthy one it also doesn't contain all of the unhealthy additives, preservatives or excessive amounts of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.

It also provides the energy needed to remain focused until 3 pm and the vitamins and protein that are needed for growth.

I urge all of you, no matter how healthy you think your lunch boxes are, to have a real look at what you are sending your child/ren to school with and consider if there are any changes that you could make. If you involve your children in making sandwiches and growing or selecting fruit or vegetables you will find they are more likely to eat them. 

Kidspot have some great ideas and helpful tips on how to support your child to have good eating habits:

https://kidspot.co.nz/school-age/why-fruits-veggies-are-essential-for-school-kids-childs-health/