With a new school year right around the corner, it is important to remember to prepare a proper lunch, as it can be beneficial for students.

School is now back in session, and many students and parents will be getting back into routine and packing lunches.

Melanie Warken, a public health nutritionist with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, shares the importance of developing children receiving a healthy diet.

“Children need nutritious food and beverages, not only for healthy growth and development, but it also has a very positive impact on their behaviour, and their learning outcome," said Warken. "So it’s important that a child has access when they're in a school environment.”

It is important for children to have a more balanced and nutritious diet, as it helps with their growth and development. Even skipping breakfast can negatively affect a child’s performance in school, as children who don’t eat breakfast may feel more tired and have trouble concentrating.

Some children will refuse to eat a part of their lunch if it’s something they don’t like. A good tip is to have kids help with the preparation of their lunches, and aim for including snacks that are good for them that they also enjoy. Children also have smaller stomachs, which require refuelling more often than adults. Packing more nutritious snacks will help to keep them satisfied between meals, as well as provide energy and important nutrients.

Another factor in a student’s nutrition can be the environment that they’re living in. A child’s home may have much different food than what they can get at school or from a store. Warken says that, in regards to the environment, student nutrition is a responsibility shared by more than just the parents.

“We feel it’s really important that everybody has a role and responsibility in making sure healthy food is accessible to children no matter what environment they’re in."