Survey finds many UK parents unaware of guidelines to make a healthy school lunch

A poll of 5000 parents in the UK has found more than a third lack the knowledge needed to make their children a healthy school lunch.

A poll of 5000 parents in the UK has found more than a third lack the knowledge needed to make their children a healthy school lunch.

The National Health Service say a child's lunch should be based on carbohydrates like bread, potatoes, rice or pasta and include fresh fruit and vegetables, a source of protein, a sugar-free drink and a side like a low fat-low sugar yoghurt.

The BBC Good Food survey found 36 per cent of UK parents were unaware of these guidelines.

It found 26 per cent of parents in the North East and Cumbria areas followed the guidelines compared with 58 per cent of Londoners.

More than half of parents who are aware of the guidelines said they only followed them occasionally, with almost 10 per cent admitting to packing leftovers - including last night's takeaway - for their children's lunch.

The top five most popular items regularly packed by parents for children's lunch boxes are sandwiches (88 per cent), drink (71 per cent), an apple (56 per cent), packet of chips (51 per cent) and a chocolate bar (25 per cent).

"It's worrying to see from the report how many parents across the UK are unaware what a healthy lunchbox should contain," BBC Good Food editor-in-chief Christine Hayes said: .

"A balanced lunch provides the sustenance needed for the day and by keeping choices varied children are more likely to embrace eating healthily.

"Let's ditch soggy sandwiches and find exciting and nutritious alternatives that children will enjoy."

- PA, AAP