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Tags: Laptop Lunch Boxes | Lunches | Planning and Preparation  Jamie Oliver, Rachael Ray, Chef Ann Cooper, Michelle Obama, these school lunch advocates are voicing what teachers have known for years….traditional school lunches are not only unhealthy for our kids, they have negative effects on academic performance as well. For busy parents juggling careers, sports schedules, report cards and a mountain of other responsibilities, tackling an issue as big as the school lunch crisis might seem overwhelming.
But don’t despair! Getting involved in the healthy school lunch movement isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and it can be incredibly rewarding. Voice your opinions and continue to ensure that your children get the fuel they need to thrive all afternoon long. Here are few ideas to get you started:
 Get Involved
- Join your local PTA. By working through a well-respected and organized organization, you can meet with other parents to arrange ways to encourage healthy eating habits in your school. Begin by asking to meet with the principal to express your commitment to the school, while also discussing the concrete reasons why your kids will not eat cafeteria food. To find out more about the PTA in your area, check out PTA.org.
- Visit LetsMove.gov. This site, hosted by First Lady, Michelle Obama, features an array of resources from healthy recipes to listings of chefs who are interested in assisting schools to create healthy lunch programs.
- Surf the web to stay current on movement to improve school lunches. Rachael Ray is working with New York Public Schools, Jamie Oliver is known for his Food Revolution, and many others are getting involved in this important movement.
- Sign on with Chef Ann Cooper: Sign up for Ann Alerts or take the School Food Challenge to connect with new ideas, strategies, tips, recipes, and others who care as deeply as you do.
- Join Two Angry Moms: View their video, join their movement, and get involved at TwoAngryMoms.com.
Pack Brain-Boosting Foods
- Numerous studies have shown that children who eat well tend to perform better in school. They’re more likely to be engaged, active, and better able to participate in classroom activities. Help your children stay focused in school by adding these foods to your children’s lunches.
- Blueberries: Kids love to eat them like candy and they contain antioxidants knows to increase memory and cognition.
- Avocado: Slip a few thin slices of avocado into a sandwich or wrap to provide a healthy sources of fat that will keep the mind and body stimulated.
- Flaxseeds: Packed with omega-3’s, sprinkling these nutty-flavored seeds on salads, sandwiches or yogurts can help improve the learning capacity of your little one.
- Dried Fruits & Nuts: Create a homemade trail mix using ingredients like dried cherries, golden raisins, raw almonds and wholegrain cereal to keep energy levels going strong.
- Lean proteins: Tuna, legumes and tofu contain the amino-acid, tyrosine, known to perk-up the brain. If your child has an afternoon test, give them the extra boost they need to succeed.
- Bonus: As an added benefit, once you start packing healthy lunches for your kids, you’ll be more likely to find ways to incorporate healthy options into your lunch too! For more healthy lunch ideas, visit LaptopLunches.com.
Packing wholesome lunches not only benefits your own family, but also raises the bar for other families as well. Whether you’re advocating on a national level or setting a good example in your local school cafeteria, remember that your efforts make a difference in the lives of real people.
 Amy Hemmert and Tammy Pelstring, two California moms, are co-creators of the Laptop Lunches line of bento-ware. Visit their web site at LaptopLunches.com for kid-friendly menus, inspirational recipes, wholesome menus, and practical lunchmaking tips.
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