New research shows that veggies and protein are the top food items being left out by parents when packing their child’s lunchbox.
This is despite the fact that these foods provide children with the best source of sustained energy. That’s why this week, Life Ed and Woolworths have partnered to launch their annual search for Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes, to encourage healthier choices as the school year begins.
“While these results are concerning, the intention is not. Our national survey found that 78 per cent of parents believe that giving their kids enough energy for the school day is the most important factor when packing a lunchbox. This highlights a gap in education, for growing students and busy parents,” said Russell D’Costa, CEO, Life Ed Australia.
“That’s where Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes comes in. It shines a light on the food facts and provides practical and affordable ideas and inspiration to show parents and children what’s possible.”
By simply taking a photo of their kids’ healthier lunchbox or education efforts from schools, participants will be in the running to win a share of $12,000 in prizes. This includes Woolworths e-gift cards and Healthy Harold vouchers. Judging will take place at the end of February, with winners to be announced in April.
As part of the Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes initiative, parents and schools will be able to access free engaging and practical resources and activities from Life Education’s Healthy Harold and Woolworths – including $5 lunchbox recipe ideas, tips on easy and affordable swaps, tricks like batch cooking to help ease the load, and hacks to help food stay fresh. The aim is to encourage parents and schools to work together to take a holistic approach when it comes to keeping future generations healthy.
To learn more and enter the Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes competition, visit lifeed.org.au/healthierlunchboxes