Nutritionist advises kids on healthy lunchboxes

1st July 2008, 12:16pm

Nutritionist Paula Godfrey from Manchester Fayre, Manchester City Council's school meals provider, recently visited St Aidan's School, North Moor, to educate children about the importance of a good diet and what should be going into a healthy packed lunch.

Paula showed parents and children the average fat, salt and sugar content of many favourite foods typically used for packed lunches including sugary drinks, cheese based snacks, and crisps and snacks.

Councillor Bernard Priest, executive member for Finance and Human Resources who has a responsibility for school meals at Manchester City Council, explained: "With today's clever packaging and marketing it is not always clear that certain foods may not be entirely good for us or our children so we are trying to educate families on this matter so that they can make informed choices on what they eat."

All meals served in school dining rooms have to meet strict government standards regarding the amounts of fat, salt and sugar is permitted, pointed out Paula.

Priest continued: "By opting for school dinners, parents can be assured their children are eating a balanced meal and that they are also making a considerable financial saving."

Manchester Fayre's school meals come in at under two pounds per day, including a drink and pudding.

 
Weblink: www.manchester.gov.uk

Related Articles:

• 01 Sep 2011 - Pre-packed lunchbox products - do they contain too much sugar and salt?
• 23 Aug 2011 - Eight out of ten parents still give kids unhealthy food in lunchboxes
• 12 Jan 2010 - Packed lunches do not meet nutritional standards set for school meals, claims survey
• 18 Aug 2009 - Food Standards Agency reiterates lunchbox advice

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