|
|
|
Tips for parents: school lunch or food from homeMANHATTAN, Kan.--For kids, choosing a lunch box can be a big deal. Packing the lunches usually is the greater concern for parents, said Sandy Procter, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist. There's also the question of whether or not the student would be better off signing up for the school lunch program, said Procter, who is a registered dietitian, former college food service supervisor and mother of two. She knows food--and children, and here's what she had to say: School lunch programs are nutritionally balanced and economically priced. Children can benefit from the variety of foods served, including some that may be unfamiliar. That can be a plus, particularly with fruits and vegetables, she said. As children see others at their table enjoying foods that they may not be familiar with, they'll be likely to eat the new foods. With the school lunch program, trading food can be less of an issue, as students have the opportunity to choose the same food. Some children, including many who are younger, may prefer familiar foods from home. If so, parents are encouraged to include a variety of foods, and not to give in to food jags, such as packing the same lunch day after day. "Mix it up, but prepare foods that will be easy to eat," the nutrition specialist said. "Cut sandwiches in halves or fourths; vegetable strips or rounds that can be easily dipped, or other finger foods, like apple or orange slices, rather than a whole fruit. And, don't forget the napkins." For kids, school lunch is a social time. There's usually more interest in friends than food, but parents are encouraged to provide health-promoting foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Make it healthy, but make it easy, she said. Re-usable, serving-size containers can save time and money. Prepackaged foods, such as individual portions or juice boxes, add expense, but also can make packing a lunch easier. Either can be kid-friendly, Procter said. School breakfasts also may be of interest to busy families. Economical breakfast programs can provide a meal that might otherwise be missed, and, in doing so, help the child get the day off to a good start, she said. Families have some choices, Procter said. To help make the decision, she encourages parents to check out the school lunch or other food service programs and to consider the cost and convenience of packing a lunch. For more information on health and nutrition, contact the local K-State Research and Extension office or visit the K-State Research and Extension web site: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu and click on Health and Nutrition. For information on helping children learn more about healthy foods and cooking, look under "Featured Sites" and click on "Kids A Cookin' - Where Cooking is Fun." -Sidebar: Keep Lunch Safe MANHATTAN, Kan.--If packing a lunch, think also about food safety and storage. Is there a refrigerator in which the lunch can be stored? Or, will it be in a classroom or locker? Is a child's class scheduled for early or late lunch? And, will there be an opportunity for students to buy milk or other perishable foods to supplement a packed lunch? Keeping food safe is an issue, said Sandy Procter, K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist and registered dietitian. Perishable foods such as luncheon meats, chicken, eggs, turkey and tuna should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours (or, if the temperature is above 90 degrees, one hour), said Procter, who shared these tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service: --Choose shelf-stable foods that are safe without refrigeration, including fresh fruits and vegetables; crackers; peanut butter sandwiches; canned meats; shelf-stable cheeses; packaged pudding; and canned fruits and juices. After opening, canned meats, puddings, fruits and juices need to be refrigerated. --Use a lunch box or carrier that helps keep food safe. An insulated lunch box or bag can keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Adding a gel pack or frozen juice pack also helps keep cold foods cold. A metal lunch box will keep food from being crushed, but cannot keep food as cold as an insulated lunch box or bag can. Brown paper or plastic bags cannot be expected to work as well as an insulated lunch box or bag, either. --To help keep cold foods cold, use freezer gel packs that can be purchased in supermarkets or kitchen supply stores. Remove the packs from the freezer early in the morning and place them with the cold foods--they should hold cold foods until lunchtime. The gel packs generally cannot hold perishable foods beyond lunchtime. Leftovers should be discarded and not taken home. --Juice boxes also can be frozen and used for cooling. --Store a lunch box in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, radiators and other heat sources. Want to prepare lunch the night before? Store the packed lunch in the refrigerator. Freezing sandwiches also can help them stay cold. Pack add-on's such as lettuce, tomato or mayonnaise separately and add just before serving. 9/22/08 Date: 9/17/08 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
