A local school could help parents and teachers munch their way to good health.

Cambewarra Public School is taking the lead when it comes to teaching children good healthy habits.

Principal of Cambewarra Public School, Susan Hilliar and founder of The Lunchbox Project Cambewarra, is a passionate advocate for healthy food choices in schools.

Cambewarra Public School is taking the lead to introduce the school community towards vegetable and fruit only snacks and where all children support one another to snack on fruit and vegetables throughout the day.

“Ensuring parents don’t cave in to the pester power of children is the key,” Principal Hilliar said.

“It has to be the norm to snack only on fruit and vegetables rather than a lunchbox packed with processed preservative snacks.

“Parents seem to start the New Year with good intentions but it is important that these healthy practices are continued past week three and for the rest of the school year.”

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is proud to support Cambewarra Public.

ISLHD is asking the question ‘what’s under the lid?’ to remind parents that a healthy lunchbox provides children with the fuel they need to learn and grow.

ISLHD Health Promotion Officer, Denise Chapman, said the new school year was a perfect opportunity to leave behind any poor eating habits that may have crept in over the holidays and start making better choices for school lunches and snacks.

“It’s important not to fall into the trap of pre-packaged convenience at the expense of healthy foods,” Ms Chapman said.

“Many pre-packaged foods are marketed to parents as being lunchbox friendly when many of them contain hidden sugar, salt and fat.

“This is why fresh foods are a great option - there is no misleading and confusing marketing hype behind them.”

Australian children between the ages of two -16 are, on average, getting 42 per cent of their energy intake from ‘sometimes’ foods.

“Fresh foods, such as sandwiches and wraps, are always the best choice and ensure that fruit and vegetables also sneak their way in - try grated carrot or lettuce on a sandwich, or homemade muffins with fruit, carrot, zucchini, banana or pumpkin,” Ms Chapman said.

“If choosing processed foods, buy foods with a health star rating of 3.5 or more to help you to make a healthier choice.

“Don’t forget a bottle of water is also the best drink to pack, instead of sugary drinks such as cordials, sports drinks, fruit drinks and soft drinks.

“Water is free, convenient and contains no sugar.”