We operate a Healthy Eating Policy at St. Mary’s Central School. The purpose of making healthy food choices enables our pupils to attain their optimum growth, development and health potential. Our pupils are very keen to have healthy lunches and show a good understanding of what that means. We hope these guidelines will assist everybody in making healthy choices. The full Healthy Eating policy can be viewed on the Policies tab on our website.
What is a healthy lunch? A healthy lunch contains foods which:
- Gives us strength and energy
- Makes us fit and healthy
- Helps our brain power
- Contains food with no added sugar, because too much sugar is bad for your teeth and health.
- Contains no artificial colourings, flavourings or additives.
What could be in a healthy lunch?
- Sandwiches, rolls, soda bread, bagels, wraps etc with cheese, meat, fish, eggs and salad.
- Pitta bread, scones, unsalted plain or whole-wheat crackers, oatcakes, breadsticks, plain rice cakes (not chocolate flavoured)
- Fruit (peeled and chopped for small children)
- Healthy dips, hummus, beans, seeds, nuts*, unsalted popcorn and pretzels
- Vegetables (washed and chopped), soup
- Pasta and rice
- Salad
- Yoghurt (natural or fruit)
*As there are some children who may be allergic to nuts, please check with your child’s classroom teacher.
What should not be in a healthy lunch?
- Crisps, salted nuts
- Chocolate, sweets, bars including cereal bars, winders, lollipops, jellies or other similar foods.
- Chewing gum
- Cake, biscuits, pastries, muffins, doughnuts etc
- Chocolate spread (eg Nutella)
- Flavoured milk and yogurt type desserts as these are high in sugar.
What drinks could we include in a healthy lunch?
- Water
- Milk
What drinks should not be allowed?
- Fizzy drinks
- Sugary drinks, sweetened juices and sweetened waters
Who should make sure everyone follows these guidelines?
- Our parents, because they provide our lunch and should set a good example. They are responsible for our health.
- We should, because it’s our health and we want to be fit and full of energy.
- Teachers, because they can see what’s in our lunch boxes and know who’s eating the right foods every day.
- The Principal
What should we do when children bring in foods not allowed?
- The children bring the food/drink home in their lunch box.
Should we make exceptions for special occasions?
- Yes, for treats after special occasions in our school such as Graduation Day, Sports Day, Holy Communion and Confirmation parties etc.
- Yes, for end of term parties but please restrict it to one small treat per child.
- No, we cannot have children’s birthday parties in school.
