Lunch boxes packed with nutrition
Over the years, lunch boxes have changed and we’re not talking just appearances or containers. Yes, humble plastic is passé, and insulated, BPA-certified is in. But what has also changed drastically is what is packed in these boxes: a cheese sandwich doesn’t work anymore unless, of course, it’s made using multi-grain bread and organic cheese, and comes bearing a smiley face created using strawberries. We’re told that school children are awarded the ‘Most Nutritious Tiffin’ certificates on the basis of the same. Well, the idea to get our kids to eat healthy, wholesome food is a brilliant one and one that could help fight obesity amongst children in the UAE too. However, it has put a lot of pressure on the parents. And that’s where come in children’s tiffin service providers; yes they exist (the only catch, they come at a price)!
Health Factory (healthfactory.com) provides various health meal packages for men, women and children, which can be designed to suit individual needs too. Their Kids’ Lunch package offers hassle-free lunches for kids of all ages: complete with a lunchtime meal, salad and snack - theses school lunches are developed to fit the needs of growing children. For the younger ones, there is the Little Heroes bespoke meal package, designed to delight the fussiest eaters! It comprises eight meals a day (breakfast, two snacks, brunch, two salads, late lunch, dinner) at Dh3,480 for 24 days. They claim that these meals, delivered at your doorstep, are packed with essential nutrients and minerals to support your child’s physical and intellectual growth.
“Children are the most receptive and adaptable little beings and it is our duty to instill positive eating habits in them, so that it reinforces a healthy relationship with food from the very beginning,” says Sara Ghosn, owner, Yum in a Box (yuminaboxuae.com). They cater to children in the ages of 2 to 10 years with each meal crafted in collaboration with a team of chefs and nutritionists. “Each meal is packed into a colourful box designed to appeal to children of a specific age and comes with games that enhance the meal time experience, making it something they look forward to!” adds Ghosn. The boxes can be delivered to nurseries, school canteens and private homes.
Another player in the field is NomBox (nombox.ae). This nursery meals provider delivers well-balanced meals to your child’s school. A variety of vegetables, fruits and sandwiches are packed in these boxes. Sample one menu: A selection of fresh fruits (apples and cantaloupe), main course consisting of a spinach fatayer with a fresh salad of tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers; followed by a homemade banana muffin. They even have specially crated menus for teachers and other school staff. — purva@khaleejtimes.com