Tips for a healthy lunchbox (Info from Yum Yum Kids)
1.
 Involve your children in choosing foods and making lunches. Not only does this make it easier for shopping - the food will also be eaten and enjoyed.
2.
 Base the main part of lunch on starchy foods such as bread, pasta or rice. Get creative with alternatives to sandwiches: try pita bread, bagels, tortilla wraps.
3.
 Include some protein such as lean meat, chicken, tuna, cheese, or egg. Nuts are also a good protein source but check your school doesn't have a "nut-free" policy before packing them.
4.
 Have at least one fruit and vegetable in the lunchbox to count towards the 5+ servings a day. Pack fruit and vegetables that are easy to eat ... fruit salad, mandarins, grapes or cherry tomatoes.
5. Try to include a portion of a dairy product.
6.
 Children need to eat regularly so don't forget to include something for snacking on. Fruit, some crackers or nuts (again check the school allows them) are good choices. For more info see our article on snacks.
7.
 Don't forget a drink. Kids need plenty of fluids to keep them well hydrated. Water is the best choice. Reduced-fat milk is good too. Added-sugar drinks that don't provide the same nutritional goodies as fruit juice should be left out.To find out more on fluid requirements, click here.

Keeping lunch boxes food safe for your children
Harmful bacteria causing food borne illness can grow quickly in lunchboxes. This can occur especially in the warmer months, when lunch boxes sit around for several hours before food is eaten.
Follow these simple tips to keep your children’s lunchboxes safe:
▪     Wash your hands before and during making lunches
▪     Use an insulated lunchbox (or freeze the drink bottles overnight so they can be used as mini freezer-packs)
▪     Use an insulated drink bottle(such as our Foogo range or our Ecotankas with a kooler cover) to keep fluids cool and encourage your children to drink more
▪     Pack perishable foods like cold meats or egg sandwiches between cold items such as yoghurt or in insulated storage containers 
▪     Throw out any perishable food left over at the end of the school day
▪     Clean lunchboxes with hot soapy water or a damp soapy cloth - and dry them thoroughly
▪     Lastly but most importantly always check the expiry dates of all food to make it has not passed its use by date and encourage your children to wash their hands before they eat!

Out & About
Finally, if you live in Auckland we are going to be at Mary's Market on Saturday 14 March from 9am - 2pm.  Pop in and see us at the Freemans Bay Community Centre (52 Hepburn Street) for some great specials and market bargains.
Have a great week

www.yumyumkids.co.nz; 62-64 Valley Road, Mt Eden, Auckland; ph (09) 630 9530