Parents lack school lunchbox inspiration

Parents are often forced to ask their children what they want in their lunchboxes because they cannot find inspiration elsewhere, according to a new survey from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). It also found that children often leave food, with 26% not eating their sandwich.

The survey, conducted with raisingkids.co.uk, found that parents want to take responsibility for making healthy lunches but 23% feel confused about what their children should be eating. Parents also call for a one-stop-shop source of information on how to create a balanced packed lunch with 73% saying it would be useful.

The FDF says the results show that parents have to consider many different factors when making up a lunchbox but are also faced with information from a number of sources. The FDF has revamped its HealthyLunchBox.co.uk website to coincide with the start of the school year, it includes tips and downloadable information packs.

Dr Pat Spungin, the founder of raisingkids.co.uk, says: “Parents are faced with huge amounts for information about food in schools, so it’s hardly surprising some of them are confused as to what they should be doing when it comes to the content of their child’s lunchbox.”