Parents on preparing lunch

Hear from parents sharing their experiences of preparing lunch for their children.

Many factors influence what parents pack for their children’s school lunch. We found parents make pragmatic choices about food. Parents and carers are limited by factors including time, money and children’s food preferences. Parents want autonomy over the care of their children, and they don’t want them to feel guilty about their food choices. Some parents reflected on the way ‘fat’ is stigmatised in schools and how children may be bullied for their lunch box contents and food choices.

Ingrid, mother of Sarah, 10 years, Oscar 7 years, suburban Melbourne

Lila, mother of Rose, 11 years and Eva 6 years, suburban Melbourne.

Nora, mother of Ella 9 years and Liam, 6 years, suburban Melbourne.