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under-5 year olds  \nBy Dr Helen Crawley and Rosa Sparks  \nISBN (printed version): 978-1-908924-33-9  \nISBN (e-book): 978-1-908924-32-2  \nPublished by First Steps Nutrition Trust.  \nFirst edition published in 2015. Updated in 2024.  \nA PDF of this resource is available on the First Steps Nutrition [Trust website](Trust website www.firststepsnutrition.org)[ www.firststepsnutrition.org](Trust website www.firststepsnutrition.org)  \nThe text of this resource, and the photos, can be reproducedin other materials provided that the materials promote public health and make no profit, and an acknowledgement is made to First Steps Nutrition Trust.  \nThis resource is provided for information only and individual advice on diet and health should always besought from appropriate health professionals.  \nFirst Steps Nutrition Trust Studio 2.14  \nThe Food Exchange New Covent Garden Market London SW8 5EL  \nE: [Vicky@firststepsnutrition.org](Vicky@firststepsnutrition.org)  \n[Registered charity number: 1146408](Registered charity number: 1146408)  \nFirst Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age. For more information, see our website  \n[www.firststepsnutrition.org](www.firststepsnutrition.org)  \nAcknowledgements  \nThe text, menus and photos were written, planned and designed by Dr Helen Crawley and Rosa Sparks.  \nThe photos were taken by Helena Little. Updates were made by Rachel Childs.  \nWe would like to thank Andrea Basu, Fiona Bayne, Jane Harrison, Diana Hawdon, Laura Low, Sally Tedstone, Marjon Willers and Lisa Williams for their useful comments.  \nEdited by Wordworks and and White Creative.  \nDesign by Sally Geeve.  \nContents  \n\n| About this guide | 3 |\n| --- | --- |\n| Why do we need ideas for packed lunches? | 4 |\n| Key principles of eating well for 1 to under-5 year olds | 5 |\n| How to pack a packed lunch | 7 |\n| Making good-value packed lunches | 11 |\n| What should go into a packed lunch for 1 to under-5 year olds? | 14 |\n| Ideas for packed lunches for 1 to under-5 year olds | 16 |\n| Making a gluten-free lunch box | 48 |\n| Good sources of vitamins and minerals | 49 |\n| Packed lunch boxes and drinks containers | 51 |\n\nAbout this guide  \nThis guide has been written to provide practical ideas for anyone who is preparing packed lunches for children aged 1 to under 5 years. We hope it will be particularly useful to early years settings who may want to provide guidance to families and child carers about how to provide a nutritious, cost-effective and practical packed lunch for children of this age.  \nThe packed lunches shown in this resource all provide the amount of energy (calories) needed by children of this age at a main meal and, if a range of packed lunches are eaten over a period of a week or more, they will provide the important nutrients that young children need to develop and grow.  \n4  \nWhy do we need ideas for packed lunches?  \nM  \nany children will take a packed lunch to their early years settings. Shared mealtimes offer an ideal opportunity for young children to learn healthy dietary habits and food preferences as they try new foods and observe the eating behaviours of their peers.  \nFor many families, this will be the first time they have had to provide regular meals for their child outside of the home and preparing a healthy, balanced lunchbox can be a daunting experience.  \nEarly years settings have a unique opportunity to support parents and carers as they learn how to provide low-cost and healthy packed lunches for their children.  \nA packed lunch should provide the same amount of energy and nutrients as a main meal forchildren of these ages, and should follow the key principles of eating well for this age group.  \nHealthy eating and physical activity are essential for proper growth and development in child","cbCais9zjLWc7q5H","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCais9zjLWc7q5H","pdf",2987415,56,"English","# About this guide\n## Why do we need ideas for packed lunches?\n## Key principles of eating well for 1 to under-5 year olds\n## How to pack a packed lunch\n## Making good-value packed lunches\n## What should go into a packed lunch for 1 to under-5 year olds?\n## Ideas for packed lunches for 1 to under-5 year olds\n## Making a gluten-free lunch box\n## Good sources of vitamins and minerals\n## Packed lunch boxes and drinks containers","[{\"question\":\"Who is this guide for and what age range does it cover?\",\"answer\":\"The guide is written for anyone preparing packed lunches for children aged 1 to under 5 years, and it is especially intended to support early years settings, parents, and carers.\"},{\"question\":\"What should a packed lunch provide for 1 to under-5 year olds?\",\"answer\":\"A packed lunch should provide the same amount of energy and nutrients as a main meal for children in this age range, following the key principles of eating well for this group.\"},{\"question\":\"How does the guide address vitamin supplements for young children?\",\"answer\":\"It explains public health recommendations that children aged 6 months to 5 years should have daily vitamin supplements of A, C, and D unless specific dietary conditions apply, and notes availability through Healthy Start and related schemes.\"}]","Eating well: Packed lunches for 1 to under-5 year olds - Packed lunches guide and ideas | PDF",1790515545,141]