Question

Priya, thirteen-year old girl, takes packed lunch to school. She notices that her food smells and tastes different by the lunch time. 

1. Suggest any three criteria of packing lunch to Priya to ensure way that her lunch stays fresh and healthy till the lunch time.     [3]
2. What kind of utensils should her lunch be packed in?     [2]
3. Suggest a healthy packed lunch for Priya.     [2]

Answer 1

1. Criteria to be kept in mind while planning a fresh and healthy packed lunch for Priya are:
   • The food should be dry and consists of non-drip items so that they do not spill.
   • The tiffin lunch box must have foods which are nutritious and liked by the child.
   • Very hot or very cold food is not liked by children so such food should not be packed. 
   • The lunch should meet around 25% of the dietary requirements.
   • The foods chosen to be packed must be attractive to the child and easy to handle. For example, ‘roti’ or ‘paratha’ rolls can be given instead of ‘sabji’ and bread separately.
   • Some nutritious yet favourite food of the Priya should be added occasionally as this will encourage the child to relish the tiffin meal. 
2. 
   
   • The food should be packed in food grade material containers which are airtight.
   • If possible, temperature control containers should be used.
   • They must also prevent any drip or spills.
   • Water should be carried in bottles that will retain the desired temperature.
3. 
   
   • A healthy packed lunch for Priya. 
   • Uthapam with tomato and coconut chutney.
   • A guava and a healthy packed drink like buttermilk/tender coconut water.
                                                   Or
   • Grilled vegetable sandwiches with a little cheese.
   • A sachet of tomato ketchup.
   • An apple or a seasonal fruit and a healthy packed drink like buttermilk/tender coconut.
                                                  Or
   • ‘Roti’ or ‘paratha’ roll with a dry ‘sabji’ like dry ‘arbi’, masala ‘bhindi’ or dry mixed vegetables sauteed with spices.
   • A banana or a seasonal fruit and a healthy packed drink like buttermilk/tender coconut water.
   • Some dry fruits can also be kept in Priya’s bag as a ready snack.