These guidelines are to promote consistency between packed lunches and food provided by schools, which must adhere to national food standards set by the government.
Packed lunches should include:
One portion of fruit and one portion of
vegetable or salad every day to be included in packed lunches
Meat, fish or another source of
non-dairy protein should be included every day. Non dairy sources of protein
include lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, hummus, peanut butter and falafel
An oily fish, such as salmon, should be
included at least once every three weeks
A starchy food, such as bread or pasta,
rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes or other cereals, should be included every
day
A dairy food, such as semi-skimmed or
skimmed milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard should be included
every day
Free, fresh drinking water should be
available at all times
Include only water, still or sparkling,
semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, yoghurt or milk drinks and smoothies
Snacks such as crisps should not be
included occasionally. Instead, include nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit (with
no added salt, sugar or fat). Savoury crackers or breadsticks served with
fruit, vegetables or dairy food are also a good choice
Confectionery such as chocolate bars,
chocolate-coated biscuits and sweets should not be included. Cakes and biscuits
are allowed but these should be part of a balanced meal
Meat products such as sausage rolls,
individual pies corned meat and sausages / chipolatas should be included only
occasionally
