Packed Lunch Guidance

At St Edmund’s, we are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting children to develop positive, lifelong relationships with food. A balanced lunch helps children concentrate, regulate their energy and fully engage in their learning throughout the afternoon.

What Should a Healthy Packed Lunch Include?

We encourage packed lunches to include:

• Wholegrain starchy foods (e.g. bread, wraps, pasta, rice)

• At least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables

• A dairy item (e.g. cheese or yoghurt)

• A source of protein (e.g. eggs, beans, hummus, fish, lean meat or meat alternatives)

Variety and colour are encouraged — the more colourful the lunchbox, the better!

Drinks

Fresh drinking water is available throughout the day.

Children may bring:

• Water

• Milk

• A small carton of fruit juice

Fizzy drinks and energy drinks are not permitted.

Keeping Lunches Fresh

Packed lunches are stored indoors in a cool area; however, we do not refrigerate lunchboxes.

To keep food safe and fresh until lunchtime, we recommend:

• Using an insulated lunch bag

• Including an ice pack (or a frozen water bottle/juice carton)

• Taking extra care with sandwiches containing meat, fish, egg or dairy products

Items Not Permitted

To support the health and safety of all pupils:

• Nuts or nut-based products (we are a Nut-Aware school)

• Sweets or confectionery

• Chocolate bars

• Sugary cakes or desserts

• Crisps or savoury snack packets

• Fizzy drinks or energy drinks

Further Guidance

For helpful ideas and inspiration, parents may find the British Nutrition Foundation’s guide useful:

BNF Ideas for Healthier Packed Lunches:
https://cdnfiles.j2bloggy.com/32573_b/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BNF-Ideas-for-Healthier-Packed-Lunches-Poster.pdf

Our aim is to work in partnership with families to support children’s wellbeing and healthy development.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.