Research by Lidl Ireland has lifted the lid on children’s school lunches to reveal that even though 70% of Irish parents pledge to provide healthier options for their kid’s lunches this upcoming academic year, some will quit before the end of September!
The research, conducted by RED C, was commissioned by Lidl Ireland ahead of the back-to-school period to uncover the attitudes and behaviours of parents towards their children’s eating habits.
It was found that out of the 81% of Irish parents who tried to change up their children’s lunch to healthier options in the past, a third of parents (34%) admitted to giving up on their healthy lunchboxes after less than one month.
The research also discovered that the main barriers to keeping the lunchbox full of healthy snacks were due to children not enjoying their newfound healthier lunch box. Some parents revealed that food not being eaten (47%) was the top challenge whilst, for others, perceived barriers around the cost of healthy food were seen to be a significant issue for 1 in 10 families.
When looking at the perceived cost of providing healthy school lunches, 56% of Irish parents say they would love to be able to afford to give their kids a healthy lunch but think prices are too high.
33% of parents admit that the cost of healthy ingredients has stopped them from buying healthy items altogether. Unhealthy lunch options are often believed to be cheaper (42%) and a third of parents admit that they have tried to provide healthy lunch options for their kids but found it too expensive to keep up long term.
Whilst nearly all Irish parents (97%) agree that it’s important for their child to have healthy food options in the lunchbox, just a quarter of parents (28%) say that they provide healthy lunches for their kids five days a week.
Around 63% of Irish parents boost their child’s diet through additional supplements, with 28% admitting they are not confident that their kids are getting all necessary nutrition through diet alone.
Social media content from experts such as nutritionists or dieticians were found to be the top source of information among parents looking for tips on healthy eating (28%).
To help you create healthy lunchbox items for your little ones, Lidl Ireland has teamed up with registered Dietician Orla Walsh to provide top tips to maintain fuelling your kids with healthy snacks, lunches, and dinner options for the upcoming school year - all are available in Lidl stores nationwide at prices that won’t break the bank.
Orla Walsh’s Top Tips for School Lunches
1. Get the basics in the box- try and feed your kids the three basics: carbohydrates, protein and fruit or vegetables.
Carbohydrates feed movement and fuel our brain. Look for higher fibre options if possible – you can check the packet label and go for one that provides at least 6 grams of fibre per 100g. Whilst the humble sandwich is the star of most kid’s lunchboxes, if your kids don’t eat the likes of sandwiches or crackers, pasta pesto works really well. Adding some cheese like grated cheddar or little mozzarella balls can be well received. It’s also relatively easy to add in the vegetables that they eat, such as peas or sweetcorn.
Protein helps feed our muscles and bones supporting kids to grow tall and become stronger. It also helps us to feel full and stay full. The old reliables like yoghurt and cheese are good options as kids require three portions of dairy each day, so getting a serving of dairy in at lunchtime is a win. To mix it up consider adding a flask of cold milk or a milk-based homemade smoothie.
Fruit and vegetables can protect us from ill health but not enough kids eat the recommended fruit or vegetables each day. Not going to the loo often enough is an issue for up to 30% of children. One of the reasons for this is not eating enough fibre. Associating fruit and vegetables with helping them feel more comfortable may help encourage them to try to eat more to avoid feeling bloated, irritable and tired.
2. Keep hydrated - water and milk are the best choice for your kids. However, if they like soup, including that in a flask is also a healthy idea. Although not the healthiest option, low sugar squashes that are well diluted could be used, with the aim of using less cordial as time goes on in a bid to move them onto plain water.
3. Remember it’s all about balance - we would all love our kids to be eating the perfect diet most of the time. However, this isn’t what the reality looks like for most of us. In fact, it’s healthy that they express their likes and dislikes. Getting kids to eat a balanced lunch can be tricky, but there are tools of the trade to help you achieve this:
- Ask your child what they would like by giving them options. Kids are often more willing to try new foods if they have chosen them themselves.
- Don’t worry if your child enjoys the same lunch every day. Instead aim on hitting the important nutrients first, and varying what they eat in time.
- Encourage a variety of foods at other meals, particularly at dinner. The more varied their diet is at home, the easier they will find adding variety to their lunchbox. It can be frustrating when they come home with a lunchbox of food that is barely touched. Remind them of the benefits of eating each part and move on!
4. Shop smart – healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank. As Ireland’s best value discount retailer, Lidl Ireland’s back to school offers provide parents with quality food at market leading value, with variety to boot. Check out the Lidl leaflet available in-store, online or on the Lidl Plus app for healthy eating inspiration and recipe ideas.
Lidl Ireland has back to school all boxed up this year with its 3 for 2 offers on lunchtime staples including ham, cheese, cooked meats, bread and bagels and special offers across its range of lunchbox fillers such as cream crackers, protein and granola bars as well as Lidl’s everyday super savers across fresh fruit and vegetables.
Go Full Lidl this back-to-school season with the full range available in the retailer’s 180 stores nationwide from now while stocks last. Featuring huge savings across grocery items, school uniforms, and all back to school essentials such as school bags, pencil cases and lots more, visit instore or www.lidl.ie for more information.
