school lunch: it’s a deal! lunch … · but if you pack this lunch for your child, you will also...

EAT SMART

EAT SMART

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School Lunch: It’s a Deal! Whendecidingifyourchildwillbuyschoollunchorbringapackedlunchfromhome,considerthecostof

packingversusbuyinglunch.ThepriceofaschoollunchinMarylandisbetween$2.25and$2.90,dependingontheschooldistrict.Ifyourfamilyqualifies,yourchildmayreceiveafreelunch,orareducedpricelunchthatcostsjust$0.40.Schoollunchisagreatdeal.Yourchildgetstochoosefoodsfromallfivefoodgroups.Imagineaschoolcafeteriaisservinggrilledchickenonawhole-wheatbun,oranges,steamedbroccoli,andlow-fatmilk.Ifyouweretomakethismealathome,theingredientsforonemealwouldcostabout$1.60.Thismightseemlikeacheaperoptionthanbuyinglunch.Butifyoupackthislunchforyourchild,youwillalsohavetopayforcondiments,napkins,andutensils,andtheenergytorequiredtorefrigerate,cook,andtransporttheingredients.Youwillalsohavetospendyourvaluabletimebuyingingredients,preparingthemeal,andpackingitupforyourchild.Schoollunchwouldbeabargainifyouwerepackingthesamethingservedinthecafeteria.Butpackedlunchesoftenincludeconveniencefoodssuchaschips,cookies,andpuddingcups,whicharemoreexpensiveandlesshealthy.Pre-boxedlunchessoldingrocerystoresusuallydonotincludeanywholefruits,vegetables,orwholegrains,theyalmostalwayscontainsweets,andtheyusuallycost$2.75ormore.Ifyouhaven’tvisitedyourschoolcafeterialately,youmaybesurprisedbythequalityofthefoodbeingservedatthislowprice.Makethemostofschoolmealsby:

• Returningyourchild’sFreeandReducedMeal(FARM)applicationcompleteandontime.Yourchildmayreceiveafreeorreduced-pricemeal—arealbargain!

• Readingtheschoolmenueachweekwithyourchildtoselectdayssheorhewillbuylunch.• Discussingthehealthyitemsonthemenusheorheenjoys.• Encouragingyourchildtoselectfromallofthefoodgroupsavailableatlunch.• Promptingyourchildtochoosefruitsandvegetablesateverymeal.• Findingoutifyoucanjoinyourchildforlunchinthecafeteria.

Remember:youarearolemodel!Speakpositivelyabouthealthyfoodsandschoollunchtoyourchild.