Hot Lunches

26th Nov 2024

Pupils in Scoil Cholmcille received their first hot lunch in School on November 25th. Pupils were very excited and love to be able to choose different meals for each day. If you have any difficulty with 'The Lunch Bag' app, please don't hesitate to contact the School.

Parents are key influencers of their children, which means that if you want your child to be able to take advantage of hot school meals you might have to do a bit of extra legwork to increase the likelihood of your child loving their lunches! Here are my top tips for encouraging children to eat their school meals.’ – David Coleman, Psychologist.

1. Increase Ownership

Let your child be involved in the selection of meals from the menu. If they feel they had some control they may be more invested in eating what they picked.

3. Talk About the Importance of Eating at School:

Talk about how food helps them focus, have energy, and feel good throughout the day. Let them know that skipping meals can make them feel tired or unable to concentrate. Reinforcing the connection between food and feeling good can help motivate them to eat.

2. Take Advantage of Peer Influence:

Remind your child that lunchtime is also a fun social time to eat with friends. Eating together can encourage them to finish their meal. This can make eating more fun and adventurous.

4. Set a Positive Example:

Children often mirror their parents’ behaviour. If they see you eating balanced meals and enjoying food, they’re more likely to develop a similar attitude. Share stories about your favourite meals or fun lunchtime experiences from your childhood to build excitement.

5. Address Any Concerns:

If your child isn’t eating their school meals, ask them about it and check with their teacher. There might be factors like disliking the taste, embarrassment about certain foods, or being distracted by friends. Remember that creating new habits takes time and lots of consistency. Avoid the temptation to give up too soon if you really want them to have the option of hot meals. Understanding any issues helps you address them.