Now, what to do about lunch?

There are only a few days left before the start of the new school year. Books are bought, bags packed and uniforms crisp and ready, but what to do about lunch? Most parents will continue with their tried and proven options, others are forced to change because their children are changing schools or grades and they want to conform to the 'norms'.

Here are some lunch options:

Cooked lunch programme

Many schools have a cooked-lunch pro-gramme. Some of them are subsidised by government, charities, or good corporate citizens, others are privately operated. These programmes offer a narrow range of options, from the chopped-up chicken and conveniently canned fish and meats, to the more favoured fried or baked chicken and curried goat.

Most lunches include vegetables and, at the primary-school level, a fruit drink is sometimes offered. At the secondary-school level, a drink is not usually included. Lunch prices range from $50 to as much as $300, forcing many students to forego this option.

The tuck shop

This is a popular option with many students, as patties, biscuits, cheese, cup soups, sodas, box drink and other favourite options are offered.

Packed lunches

Packed lunches are more often taken by students at the preschool and primary levels. It is not a popular option at the secondary-school level, but girls will sometimes take a convenient and easy-to-conceal sandwich to school.

School vendors

Vendors are popular at many schools as they offer variety, convenience, economical options and portions, and will even offer food on credit. Because there are usually many vendors in the vicinity of the school, students can avoid the congestion at the canteen and tuck shops and get their lunches quicker.

The best options

The cooked-lunch programme is an excellent programme but many schools, especially preschool and primary schools, need assistance with these programmes. The parent-teacher associations should play a more pivotal role in this area. Nutrition is crucial at this stage of rapid growth and development in the child. Meals at school, including snacks, contribute to more than 50 per cent of the child's daily food intake.

Tuck shops should provide healthier options and should not be the major provider of nutrition at school.

In schools and communities where vendors are a part of the reality, they should be empowered through training in food-handling practices and in the basic nutritional needs of the customers they serve.

The lunch decision should be made by you and your child but, please, do not be influenced only by convenience and cost, but by the long-term health and nutrition of your child.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.