HEALTHY HABITS
Build a Better Lunchbox Feel good about fueling kids at school
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAMFORD ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
An Academy of the Arts music student plays piano during a performance.
BY HOLLEY GRAINGER, MS, RD
water bottle, yogurt tube, or small ice pack.
A, B, C. Milk, plum, pea. Good nutrition and learning go hand-in-hand, and these lunchbox tips will help you set up your child for success, in and out of the classroom.
2. Use milk or 100% orange juice to boost nutrition. It’s important to include foods and beverages that have one or more key nutrients like protein, whole grains, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Even dedicated lunch packers can focus on the main entrée and leave the sides and beverages as an unhealthy afterthought. But they’re an easy way to pack in more nutrients. First, 100% orange juice is a sweet and delicious way to boost the nutrition in your child’s diet by delivering vitamin C, potassium, folate, and many other nutrients. Despite what some
1. Be aware of lunchbox food safety. Before diving directly into lunch, it’s important to look at the lunchbox itself. Because refrigeration isn’t an option at many schools, students are required to store their lunchboxes in cubbies or lockers. Therefore, it is important to make sure that perishable foods stay cold throughout the day. Skip brown paper bags and opt for insulated lunch totes packed with a frozen item such as a 22 Bham Family September 2021
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