THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otaki Mail, 3 September 1930, Page 4

THE LITTLE FOLK.

soiasos’iramcHEs.

The’contents of the lunch box need not be- of a‘ bewildering variety each •day, but rather varying from day to day instead of- that monotonous sameness which’is not economy, but in most cases laziness. The lunch, which is put in the sehool bin instead of being eaten, is certainly of no value to the child, and the long day without correct nourishment, and the energy be-ing-used up, must eventually tell upon a child’s health. Three or four kinds of food are. enough, hut if possible one of these Should be warm, so that digestion may bo made easy. There is difficulty in this, especially with, regard to little Children who cannot manage a small thermos flash, or who feel conspicuous in using it.

• -Sandwiches are the great standby for most lunches, and arc’ easily carried; they also contribute a great deal bf nourishment. The.use of butter, of Course, seems necessary, and gives the valuable food requirements in fat, protein and vitamin, but good, well-flav-oured dripping can be substituted occasionally.

• Hillings which are suitable are chopped dried fruits, such- as raisins, dates op- figs, cooked prune pulp mixed with nuts finely ground, and chopped cooked meat. GIVE THEM A THERMOS. Milk should accompany the $ luncheon, and may bo made the basis of the one warm di,sh in the form of a milk soup, or weak cocoa kept hot in a thermos bottle. Salads of fruit or vegetables may be packed in paraffined cups or a small glass jar, and are especially welcome on the warm days. Gelatine salads containing fruit or vegetables (raw) arc easily packed, but would liquefy during the hot weather. Raw fruit, particularly an orange, apple, or banana, makes a healthful addition, and plain cake, or a custard of small and plain cake, or a couple of small buns, a small baked custard, a piece of milk chocolate, or a few dates provide a dessert. VARYING THE LUNCH MENU.

The following suggestions have been worked* out by a" woman' especially trained for nutrition work with children, and may be helpful:—

(a) Cheese and lettuce sandwich on wholemeal bread, white bread and jolly or jam sandwich, apple, sponge cake, cocoa (thermos). (b) Vegetable salad in glass jar (sieved and kept hot iff thermos), chopped bacon and egg sandwich on white bread, sliced fruit (in glass jar), small cake.

(d) Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread, wholemeal raisin bread and butter, fresh fruit, plain cake, cocoa, (thermos).