Cancer Council NSW’s nutrition program, Eat It to Beat It, will hold a free healthy lunch-box seminar at the Hive, Erina Fair on February 16.
Eat It to Beat It works with schools and parents to provide families with practical, budget-friendly ways to pack fun and fulfilling healthy lunchboxes. Cancer Council NSW’s communications coordinator, Hunter-Central Coast, Ms Jacqui Jones, said that the work of Eat It to Beat It on the Central Coast shows that parents are taking an increasing interest in the nutritional content of the food consumed in the playground.
Ms Jones said: “However, many parents report that packing lunch boxes can be a chore, especially when it comes to getting the kids enthusiastic about healthy options such as fruit and vegetables.”
Ms Nayerra Hudson, Hunter-Central Coast nutrition project officer, Cancer Council NSW, said: “Packing a healthy lunch box that your child will want to eat can be much easier than you think.
“With a little planning and a few ideas you can create appealing, nutritious lunches that are cheap to create and simple to make.” Ms Jones said: “Get organised and make sandwiches at the beginning of the week and freeze, then add fresh salad on the day.
“Cook extra at dinner and use leftovers for lunches; baked veg, stir fry, pasta and rice work well. “Let the kids help prepare and select; saving you time and getting them interested.” Ms Jones said: “Don’t forget a drink of water and a cooler-bag and ice-brick to keep lunch fresh and safe to eat.”
Media release, Feb 4, 2016 Jacqui Jones, Cancer Council NSW