The task of creating a healthy school lunch is now easier for Hunter parents with Cancer Council NSW’s newly-launched Healthy Lunch Box website.
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The website (healthylunchbox.com.au) includes recipes, ideas and tips, and an interactive lunch box builder that enables parents and kids to plan a healthy lunch box at home, or on the move with their smartphone or tablet.
One in three cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy weight – but only seven per cent of NSW children eat enough vegetables and 22 per cent of children are overweight or obese.
The website has been launched as part of Cancer Council NSW’s Eat It To Beat It program, which runs free sessions and workshops across the Hunter for parents of primary school-aged children.
Local parent Cassie Bailey is familiar with the chore that is packing healthy school lunches that her daughter is excited about eating.
“The most challenging part of packing lunchboxes for me is providing variety throughout the year. It can be difficult to come up with new and interesting ideas that aren't just a simple piece of fruit and a sandwich,”Ms Bailey said.
“My favourite part of the website is the lunchbox builder. It takes you step by step through combinations of healthy choices and even provides the recipes. There are so many different combinations that lunchboxes never become boring and it takes away any confusion about what to include in a healthy lunchbox.”
“The tips on getting the kids involved and preparing healthy foods in advance means I’m also saving time and not reaching for packet food to fill the gaps.”
Cancer Council’s regional nutrition project officer Nayerra Hudson said parents want quick and easy access to healthy recipes and inspiration on how to vary lunch box content.
“Parents want to ensure they are providing their kids with the energy and nutrients they need to learn and play,” Ms Hudson said.
“With one child eating about 2500 lunches throughout their years at school, many parents report that packing lunch boxes can be a chore, especially when it comes to getting kids enthusiastic about healthy options such as fruit and vegetables.”
The website has been made possible thanks to the ongoing generosity of Outrun Cancer (which holds fundraising events such as the Corporate Treadmill Marathon) and the community.
Visit healthylunchbox.com.au and pack a tasty healthy lunch box today.
