Kids ‘control packed lunches’

CHILDREN are having the final say over what goes into their lunch boxes, researchers claim.

To keep them happy, parents are prioritising treats such as crisps and chocolate bars, according to a survey of 20 families. Children are also ‘primary decision makers’ when choosing whether to have school dinners or packed lunches, it showed. The findings will raise concerns over whether children who opt to bring in food are missing out on a balanced diet.

Lead author Dr Hannah Ensaff, of Leeds University, said children’s ‘growing authority’ over lunch boxes offered ‘an opportunity to develop initiatives to promote better food choices’.