As a parent, you can influence the meals served to your children at school in several ways. First, become familiar with the menus offered at your school. School lunch menus are typically published in school newsletters or local newspapers. Go over the menu with your child and talk to him or her about how to make choices in the cafeteria line. Second, occasionally join your son or daughter for lunch at school.
Parents are usually welcome to eat a meal with their child at school if they call ahead.
This will give you a chance to become more familiar with the school lunch program and the types of food that is served. Third, help support the nutrition education efforts offered by your child s school. Find out what your child is learning, and reinforce it at home. For example, sandwiches, raw vegetables carrots, celery, cucumbers whole fruit, string cheese and yogurt are all nutritious and easy to prepare and eat. It's also okay to pack a couple of cookies or some chips.