Nutritionists urge parents to keep lunch boxes simple, as SA government updates canteen guidelines

Nov 09, 2023

Nutritionists are encouraging parents to go back to basics when it comes to feeding their children and combating the peer pressure they feel to keep standards high.

Felicity Morrell is a dietician in South Australia's Riverland region, and also a mum who is beginning the journey of regularly curating lunch boxes for her kindergarten-aged son.

Ms Morrell said when parents asked her what to feed their kids, she often saw 'mum guilt' factor into their decisions.

"I sometimes have parents say they pack the lunch box that they know their child might not eat, but it's that shame they feel being judged by other parents or by teachers," she said.

The South Australian government recently updated its Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards for school canteens, which uses a traffic light system to guide how often schools should provide children with certain food.

The standards state that 'red 1' foods like cupcakes or pizza should only be offered twice a term, while 'amber' options like fruit juice should be limited.

'Red 2' options like chocolate and caffeinated drinks should not be offered at school at all.

It is recommended that 'green foods' such fruit, vegetables and yoghurt make up 60 per cent of options.

Ever yelled at your kid then instantly worried that she'd need therapy about it later on? You're not alone.

Ms Morrell said while the guidelines applied to canteens, parents could break through some of the confusion by keeping things simple.

"I think sometimes we get overwhelmed by choice," she said.

"Go back to those core food groups and understand what foods fit into them."

Flinders University nutrition professor Rebecca Golley said parents should not feel pressured into making creative lunch boxes every day.

"I probably ate the same lunch all of primary school," Dr Golley said.

"You recall back to your childhood, our parents probably didn't care so much about what we thought was in the lunch box.

"I think we can learn from our elders and take it back to basics, kids are quite happy with knowing what's familiar and knowing what's predictable."

Ms Morrell said she encouraged parents to cut themselves some slack when it comes to baking and cooking for their children's lunch boxes.

"In an ideal world baking is great, but most of us don't have time for that," she said.

"Most of us mums aren't home anymore, we’re working and trying to manage the household.

"We need to be kind to ourselves and do what fits within our lifestyle."