Loading Up the Lunchbox

Top Tips / Kai Pai:

• Involve your children in lunchbox decisions and preparation and be a role model – prepare your own healthy lunch at the same time
• Cut large (seasonal) fruit and vegetables into smaller pieces
• Vary the shape of sandwiches: triangles or use a cookie cutter
• Experiment with different breads, e.g. wraps, pita, fruit bread
• Water and milk are the only drinks recommended for children
• Freeze a drink bottle for the lunch box to keep food cold and safe
• Keep it interesting…leftovers are great - or try sushi, corn thins, tuna or potato salad etc.
• Make sure snacks come from the four food groups.

Lunchbox Ideas - Ngā Tauira Kai

An ideal lunchbox should include at least one item from each of the four food groups:

• Fruit and vegetables:  Apples, bananas, fruit salad, canned fruit in juice, grapes, strawberries, pineapples, dried fruit,  carrots, tomatoes, peas in the pod, salad fillings in sandwiches, vegetable soup, celery, stuffed kumara breads and cereals

• Sandwiches, leftover chop suey, pasta/rice dish, sushi, roti, scone, fruit bread, couscous, plain popcorn

• Dairy products:  Cheese, yoghurt, cottage cheese as a filling for sandwiches/toastie, small cartons of milk or smoothies

• Meat and alternatives:  Lean meats/canned tuna, boiled eggs, baked beans, chickpea/lentil curry, nuts*

* Parents of children with nut allergies should select an alternative choice. Children under two should not be given whole nuts due to risk of choking.