Packed Lunch

At Coombe Hill we encourage those pupils bringing in a packed lunch to make sure it is full of healthy choices that will keep them full up until the end of the day.

Why are healthy lunches important?

A healthy lunch provides children with the key nutrients needed for the day – those that eat a healthy lunch will maintain a higher nutrient intake throughout the day compared to those who don’t.

When provided with these valuable nutrients, children become more attentive. Children who eat nutritious meals and are active will have a higher performance level in school. Healthy foods boost energy; children will be less tired and able to retain more information.

This is beneficial for both us and our pupils as we want them to gain as much from their lessons as possible.

Government guidelines for packed lunches:

• One portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables or salad to be included daily

• Meat, fish or a non-dairy protein source should be included daily

• Oily fish, like salmon, should be included at least once every three weeks

• A starchy food, such as bread or pasta or rice, should be included every day

• Dairy foods such as milk, cheese or yoghurt (or non-dairy equivalent) should be included every day

• Pupils should have access to free, fresh drinking water at all times

• Packed lunches should include water, fruit juice, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, or yogurt drinks and smoothies

• Snacks such as crisps should not be included

• Sweet treats such as chocolate bars or chocolate-coated biscuits should not be included.