Skip to content
International School Meals day was co-founded in 2010 by the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States. Essentially it aims to affect the way children (and schools) approach food, a fight that was spearheaded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver a few years ago and that remains extremely pertinent throughout the world. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention childhood obesity has more than quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years and in 2012 more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. These children run a far higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, morbidity and disability.
Not only is the government trying to raise awareness, but last year introduced laws to make clear the seriousness of reducing obesity in England. These included an emphasis on wholegrain foods instead of refined carbohydrates, one or more portions of vegetables or salad each day and no more than two portions of pastry each week.
So in support of this fantastic, meaningful charity at A1 equipment we have researched some tasty, healthy alternatives for children’s meals.
Popcorn
Popcorn is not only a fun treat to satisfy any child’s palette, but it is also a healthy alternative to traditional snacks (specifically fried crisps and sugar heavy cookies.) Made using very little oil and with plenty of low fat topping to choose from it is a delicious treat that can be bought pre-made or using a dedicated
Baked Breaded chicken
Whilst Kentucky Fried Chicken immortalised the popularity of fried, coated chicken there is no doubt that frying chicken somewhat detracts from this actually quite healthy source of protein. However, getting kids to eat anything that looks even remotely healthy can be extremely difficult. We advise baking breaded chicken and using fry light rather than oil and still calling them fried chicken. Less calories, less hassle and far far healthier.
Drinks
The fact that water is good and fizzy drinks are bad is a statement that few would deny, but that many find difficult to put into practice. According to an article in the Telegraph sugary drinks kill 184,000 adults a year – this is far more than an old wives tale, but a serious warning. Fizzy drinks can cause early puberty, obesity and premature aging. Ensure your school has healthier options, whilst it may be a challenge to get
children to drink water try using a small amount of cordial, or flavoured water as an alternative way to help reduce fizzy drink intake.
Healthy Vending Company
There is something immensely satisfying to both adults and children alike to making a purchase from a vending machine. For a child, it is really rather exciting and certainly many school memories revolve around the fight to the vending machines. However, filling them with chocolates and sweets (however profitable) does a massive disservice to a school. Not only do they often little in nutrition they also mean children are far more likely to be hyperactive. Opt instead for a healthy vending machine filled with equally tasty, healthy snacks such as the extremely popular naked bars.