School Dinners

Grange Park Junior School is currently working towards the Healthy Schools London accreditation. Our lunches are provided by Grange Park Infant caterers which are cooked on site, brought up each day and served from our kitchen. We encourage parents/ carers to discuss the weekly menus with their child so that choices can be decided together, resulting in happy, enjoyable lunch times. 

 

 School meals cost £2.00 per day via Parent Pay.

 

 

Healthy Packed Lunch

The lunchbox your child brings to school should be a healthy and balanced meal. This means plenty of foods that contain the nutrients that children need and fewer foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat.

A balanced packed lunch should contain:

• starchy foods – these are bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and others
• protein foods – including meat, fish, eggs, beans, and others
• a dairy item – this could be cheese or a yoghurt
• vegetables or salad, and a portion of fruit

Starchy foods are a good source of energy and should make up a third of the lunchbox. But don't let things get boring; instead of sandwiches, give  children bagels, pitta bread, wraps and baguettes. If possible, use brown, wholemeal or seeded bread as it is better for children than white bread.

Low-fat snacks for kids
Children often like food they can eat with their fingers, so chop up raw vegetables such as carrots or peppers and give them hummus or cottage cheese to dip the vegetables in.  Breadsticks and wholemeal crackers are great finger foods that can be spread with low-fat soft cheese or eaten with reduced-fat cheddar and pickles.

Replace chocolate bars and cakes with fresh fruit or dried fruit. If possible, vary the fruit each day and get them to try new things, such as kiwi or melon. You could also make up a tasty fruit salad. Be inventive and encourage your children when they try something new.

Making healthier food choices
It may take a while for your children to get used to a healthier lunchbox. But it will be worth it for their health, so keep trying. You can help by eating a wider range of foods at home as a family. Reading supermarket food labels can help you buy healthier foods for your child's lunch and family meal times.  Save chocolate, cakes and crisps for occasional treats. Remember to praise your child when they've tried something new to show your encouragement.

 

Allergies

In line with our Whole Food policy, we are an allergy aware school and ask that foods containing nuts are not brought into school. If your child has an allergy, please inform the school as soon as possible.

USEFUL LINKS:

• http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/childhealth6-15/pages/lighterlunchboxes.aspx
• http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/lunchbox
• http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/family-meals/slideshow/25-quick-and-easy-school-lunches-to-pack-for-your-kids/?slide=1
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/packed_lunches/
• http://www.netmums.com/family-food/food-for-kids/lunchbox-ideas
• http://www.healthylunch.org.uk/government/
• http://www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk/childrens-food-trust/parents/your-childs-food-at-school/packed-lunches/what-to-put-in-a-lunchbox
• http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration
• www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk

 

  Children who have parents on a low income may be entitled to free school meals.  If you think you may be eligible for free school meals please ask Mrs Branch at the office for a form.