Home lunch falls short in nutrition - parents may need a little help

It's tough being a parent and juggling all the responsibilities that come along with the job.  Maybe we need a little help to get it right.  A new study says that "Backpack lunches flunk nutrition".

• juggling time
• cost
• convenience
• what is acceptable to their children 

• only 27% of the lunches met at least three of the five NSLP standards
• only 4% of snacks met at least two of the four CAFCP standards
• Lunches were comprised more of packaged foods than anything else,
• Almost a quarter of the lunches lacked what would be considered an entrée, such as a sandwich or leftovers, and were instead made up of a variety of packaged snack foods and desserts

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• low- or non-fat dairy

This is consistent with a few of the other studies out there that also looked at lunches brought from home.  More than 40% of children bring their lunch from home.  

So helping parents find simple and practical solutions to providing healthy foods for lunch and a balanced meal is just as important as the NSLP guidelines.  

Nourish Thought for the Day:  

Have children help plan their lunch using the My Plate food groups as a guide. Pick one food item from each group for a balanced meal.

Here are some great easy resources that parents can use to build a healthy lunch for their child.  Try to include at least 4 food groups and minimize convenient prepackaged foods.

Lunch Tips for Parents

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