Healthy Lunches at Elmtree |
YES PLEASE | NO THANK YOU |
Chapattis/ wraps/ sandwiches with healthy fillings such as: chicken, cheese, tuna, cucumber, potato. | Chocolate, chocolate biscuits, chocolate spread/ jam, any other chocolate. |
Fruits and vegetables (some may need to be chopped up). | Cakes/ biscuits of any kind. |
Yoghurts | Sweets |
Breadsticks | Crisps |
Chicken bites/ veggie bites | Smoothies/ Yoghurt drinks |
Spaghetti/ pasta/ noodles/ rice (in a thermos); wholegrain would be even healthier! | Flavoured water/ juice (Fruitshoots of any kind). |
Cucumber/ carrots sticks and Hummus. | Junk foods: pizza, nuggets, chips, fried chicken. |
Mini cheddars/ crackers | NUTS |
At Elmtree, we want the very best start for our children. This includes ensuring they eat healthily. Providing healthy lunches is essential for several reasons. Here is our rationale for wanting our children to eat healthy lunches:
1. Nutritional Needs
- Growth and Development: Children are in critical stages of growth, requiring balanced nutrition to support physical and cognitive development.
- Energy Levels: Nutritious meals help maintain energy throughout the school day, improving focus and learning.
2. Academic Performance
- Concentration and Focus: Proper nutrition is linked to better concentration, memory, and overall academic performance.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Healthy eating can lead to better health, reducing absenteeism due to illness.
3. Healthy Habits
- Lifelong Skills: Schools can play a crucial role in teaching children about healthy eating and making nutritious choices, fostering lifelong healthy habits.
- Social Norms: When healthy options are promoted in schools, it normalizes these choices among peers.
4. Preventing Health Issues
- Chronic Disease Prevention: Healthy lunches can help combat childhood obesity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Did you know that 10% of Elmtree children were obese or overweight in 2022-2023?
- Mental Health: Nutrition affects mental well-being; balanced meals can support mood regulation and mental health.
5. Food Education
- Culinary Skills: Exposure to different foods encourages children to explore and develop their tastes, promoting culinary skills.
- Cultural Awareness: Offering diverse foods can enhance cultural appreciation and inclusivity among students.
6. Behavioural Benefits
- Reduced Behavioural Issues: A well-nourished child is less likely to experience mood swings and behavioural difficulties, leading to a better learning environment.
- Better Relationships: Healthy eating can contribute to improved social interactions and cooperation among peers.
7. Community and Environment
- Waste Reduction: Emphasizing healthy, whole foods can reduce food waste and encourage mindful consumption.
Healthy lunches at school create an environment that supports not just academic success but also the overall well-being of children, laying the foundation for a healthier future.