The researchers examined the contents of 487 lunchboxes and found that 19% of the lunchboxes contained only white bread and that 43% of the children were given only sugar-sweetened drinks for lunch, while, on the other hand, only 6% of the children were given vegetables and 5% fruit for their lunch.
Presentation
Jaap Seidell, professor of Nutrition and Health at VU Amsterdam and involved in the research, explained the research results. The presentation of the research results took place during a meeting at Geert Groote Healthy Primary School in the JOGG municipality of Dordrecht. There, all the children were handed a new ‘Lunchbox Without Junk lunchbox’, which they were allowed to fill on the spot with healthy products. Jaap Seidell: “Our research into schoolchildren’s lunchboxes showed that they could be much healthier. Taking a healthy lunch to school is good for your child’s health and school performance. And it tastes good too.”
Campaign
In 2021, the JOGG Zuid-Holland Zuid campaign reached parents through schools, child health centres, supermarkets and libraries, among others. Jenna Davies of JOGG Zuid-Holland Zuid explains: “This initiative originated in the Zuid-Holland Zuid region because, in conversations with schools, we found that lunchboxes were often filled with unhealthy food. This calls for changes in policy and action, but first and foremost for support. Because however much schools want to implement a healthy policy, support from parents/carers is needed to achieve this together in practice. It starts with awareness and inspiration. Schools without a health policy will feel supported by this to also start working with healthy nutrition. The fact that Lidl is now also supporting this message nationwide contributes to making healthy the norm for all children.”
Click here for the ‘Lunchbox Without Junk’ brochure, with tips on giving your child a well-filled lunchbox even when life is busy or on a small budget.