When school starts, bonding activities are limited but the picnic mood remains. I just realized that the lunch bags that kids bring to school every day are virtual picnic bags. The new designs that I see in supermarkets are made of insulated materials that can keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. They are a far cry from the plastic or stainless steel containers that every kid going to school carried. They come with containers for soup, viand, rice and drinks.

Parents should take careful note of what goes into their children’s lunch boxes. They should take the extra effort to supply not just what the child wants but what he or she needs. Maybe a little bit of camouflaging is necessary. It is a challenge that is difficult but necessary. The healthy lunch box should include enough carbohydrate sources to supply energy, protein for growth and calcium for stronger bones and teeth. If started early, kids will learn to love healthy food.