WOMEN IN THE HOME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 3

WOMEN IN THE HOME

PREPARING SCHOOL LUNCHES VARIETY AND NOURISHMENT IN MHbDAY MEAL.

Parents cannot to-day plead ignorance of the facts of nutrition, which have been continually before them since their own school days, when they made their first timid experiments for the detection of food elements. At least a generation has grown up in the knowledge of the essential needs of the body for health and sound development. This should make the present-day parent conscious of and interested in the later discoveries and wider knowledge resulting therefrom. The terms used in the scientificworld for the classification of foods are not abstruse and unfamiliar, but words which have been in usage since the compulsory domestic course was introduced into the school curriculum. The aim of this training has always been to turn out, not merely good cooks, but potential mothers with at least some appreciation of the importtance of well-chosen, attractively prepared food to the health of the individual. Knowledge, however, has' little value unless intelligently applied.

In the past, foods were simply divided into flesh-forming—the proteins; heat and energy-giving—the fats and carbohydrates; bone-forming and blood purifying—the mineral salts and water. To these were added later the vitamins, which may be called the vital sparks of nutrition. Recent research into these matters has introduced the new comprehensive term “protective foods” covering the flesh-formers, minerals and vitamins. This term has a genuine ring about it, which should appeal to the popular imagination. Even when people are unaware of the classification of food elements, this word suggests safety. Cereals, fats, and sugars are classed as “supplemental; energy-yielding foods.” Variety in Diet.

The League of Nations report says. “It is a .general principle that variety in diet tends to safety provided it contains a sufficiency of the protective types of food materials.” Further, “white flour in the process of milling is deprived of important nutritive elements. Its use should be decreased and partial substitution by lightly milled cereals and especially by potatoes is recommended. The consumption of an excessive amount of sugar is to be condemned, as it tends to lessen the proportion of protective foods. “Milk should form a conspicuous element of the diet at all ages.” ‘Fresh vegetables and/or fruit should always be constitutents of the normal mixed diet.”

It is most important for' parents to realise the need of the school child for suitable food. They will then be co-operating with the teachers qualified to speak, so that ultimately the child also becomes conscious of the application of the school-lesson to its own life . The battle for health will be won when people are willing to eat what they know is good for them. Iscidentally this forms also a very sound basis for character-building as well as body-building. When a wise choice is deliberate, a real advantage is made.

At the beginning of the school year, many parents are supplied with a long list of requirements for clothing and books. It would be rather a good idea if they were supplied at the same time with a few notes c.n nutrition as a reminder. Its importance cannot be stressed too often. It. is only when the child is properly fed and kept in fit physical condition, that the full benefit of expenditure on other items is reaped in mental growth. The Midday Meal. In the matter of food for school children, the midday meal is the problem for the great majority, whether they take it to school or have sufficient time to return home. The carried luncheons for the family are a daily task to be attended to first thing each morning. It requires more than a little thought to provide appetising and nourishing lunches every day, and to avoid monotony. Whenever available, every advantage shold be taken of the very cheap lunches provided at some schools. A complete meal can often be secured at a nominal cost or hot drinks or soups to supplement the sandwiches brought from home. This system is of the greatest possible value, especially for children who have to travel a distance, or whose parents perhaps, are not able to prepare an adequate carried lunch. The wise authority of parents can assist in advising the children what to buy. For the present purpose, it is assumed that a suitable breakfast and tea are provided at home. The former should supply sufficient nourishment to keep the child going until midday, and the latter complete the day’s ration.

The container for the carried lunch should be of a type which is readily cleaned, of a convenient size, securely