“A lunchbox is like a treasure chest; it holds everything you need to conquer the day.” — Unknown
Talk it out: Discuss with your kids about what they’d like to have in their lunchbox. Guide them through food and drink choices and make the final decisions together.
Create a shopping list: Get your children involved in the shopping process by making a list together. Take them to the store and let them pick out options from the list.
Let them help: Encourage your kids to be hands-on with packing their lunchboxes. Older kids can take on more responsibility, while younger ones can help make sandwiches or slice soft fruits. Preparing lunchboxes the night before is a great way to get them involved!
Looking for lunchbox snack ideas? Try a variety of these options and some can be prepared in advance to save time during the week!
Looking for ideas to create a healthy and nutritious sandwich? Follow these tips to build a balanced, delicious lunch option that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Choose wholemeal, wholegrain, or high-fibre bread, wraps, or rolls to provide long-lasting energy and essential nutrients.
Boost flavor and nutrients with these healthy spreads:
Include a source of protein to keep you full and energized:
For extra crunch, fiber, and vitamins, pack your sandwich with:
To avoid soggy sandwiches, pack wetter ingredients like tomato separately and assemble them just before eating.
By mixing and matching these ingredients, you can create a variety of nutritious sandwiches that are perfect for school, work, or on-the-go meals.
The Department of Health Pick & Mix 1-6 poster provides a range of ideas and practical tips to inspire families to create healthy school lunchboxes.
Pick and mix one tasty option from each of the five core food groups to create a lunchbox every day:
Before school starts, take some time to practice using the lunchbox and containers at home. This helps kids get familiar with how to open and close them, making mornings smoother and less stressful. It’s especially helpful if you’ve bought new lunchbox gear this year—kids can get used to the new design and features, like snack compartments or tricky lids. This little bit of practice can make a big difference in their confidence and independence when it’s time to pack up for school!
Get ready to brighten up your week with a collection of delicious and easy lunchbox recipes, perfect for both kids and adults alike!
The page provides practical advice for parents and caregivers on packing healthy, balanced lunchboxes for children. It emphasizes including a variety of foods from the five food groups—grains, protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruits—while also focusing on hydration with water. Crunch&Sip offers tips for packing different components of the lunchbox, and encourages creative, easy swaps for healthier alternatives to typical lunchbox items.
Build your own healthy lunchbox (PDF, CALD)
Build your own lunchbox resource with useful tips and easy ways to pack a nutritious lunchbox. Also available in Arabic and Hindi.
Simple lunchbox checklists to help children and adults understand which foods make up a healthy lunch box. Available in English, Hindi, Arabic, Filipino, Spanish, Serbian, Somali, Macedonian, Vietnamese, Korean and Traditional Chinese.
A fun and interactive website to build a nutritious lunchbox by mixing and matching items. Plus recipes and advice on food safety, involving children, and time saving tips.
Explore more useful resources.
