Schools

Time to Pack School Lunches!

Local experts say get creative and plan ahead to make healthy lunches kids actually will eat.

Most students in Fairlawn and Bath will return to school this week -- and that means they'll be having lunch away from home.

Here's a few tips from local experts to help you make sure your kids eat what you pack, and that the lunches you put together are healthy -- and won't break your budget.

Abraham Nabors, owner,

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"We all know that kids want what kids want," said Nabors, who with his brother and parents owns the Mustard Seed, which sells organic and specialty foods. "Our industry has learned."

Nabors said his store stocks flavored milk and puddings "things all kids love," that are shelf-stable, which means they don't need to be refrigerated until they're opened. "We've paid a lot of attention to making these kinds of items affordable," Nabors said. "We have a lot of back-to-school packing items on sale this month and September.

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Nabors said the two most important things to remember are to choose foods that are nutrient rich -- like fresh fruits -- and that avoid unhealthy threats like trans fats, artificial colors, antibiotics and hormones. Nabors said the artificial chemicals, drugs and hormones can be attributed to childhood obesity, early puberty in adolescents to problems with concentration and learning.

"Foods should be organic, when possible," Nabors said. "You can also look for milk that is labeled RBGH free. 

Nabors said lunches that are healthier for kids begin with basic, non-processed ingredients, which sometimes require a little more preparation. "We have a cookbook full of ideas," he said, "and we're always here to answer questions."  

Kendall Smith, dietitian, Akron Children's Hospital 

Kendall Smith tells parents to keep things interesting. “Children respond to visual cues when they’re eating so something like making sandwich cutouts with cookie cutters works well,” he said. “You can also put stickers or personal notes in their lunch so that it’s creative and personalized for them and they know that it’s been made with love and care.”

He recommends choosing fat-free milk, lean protein, fruits, veggies and whole grains. Paying attention to the lunchbox layout and how food looks is important, too. Smith offers more lunchtime tips in this video.

Brandi Neloms, community relations coordinator, Earth Fare

Brandi Neloms said one of Earth Fare’s missions is to end childhood obesity in the community. "We want to give kids a choice in what they eat, which we do at our free kids dinners on Thursday, but give them healthy choices.

"That works for lunch too, kids can have sandwiches or roll-ups, with no nitrates in the meat, or jelly without sugar, and peanut butter without transfats. It's the food they are used to, just healthier."

Neloms said one of the keys to making lunches kids will eat is making children a part of the decision and the preparation.

"A lot of times when we go to into the elementary schools or daycare centers, kids will say they don't like yogurt," Neloms. "But when you help them cut their own blueberries and strawberries, put the fruit in the yogurt and call it a parfait, it's a whole different story."

 



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