Tuesday, February 2025
Packing a kindy or school lunchbox that’s healthy, tasty and affordable is a daily challenge for Aussie families but it’s crucial – with lunchbox meals accounting for around a third of a child’s daily nutritional needs.
Need fresh incentive? Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes competition is now underway – a joint campaign delivered by Life Ed in partnership with Woolworths – giving families and schools the chance to share in a record $18,000 prize pool!
Edmonton dad Crios O’Hare, a fitness coach for Cairns youngsters, was one of 10 nationwide winners last year, wowing judges with his daughter Niamh’s impressive lunchbox filled with homemade granola, hummus and a colourful mix of fresh vegetables and fruit.
“Preparation is key,” Crios said. “We plan on weekends to make weekday mornings easier, prepping snacks ahead and freezing them. Buying in bulk, like larger bags of popcorn, also helps save money. Whole foods are simple and effective – not every lunch has to be an elaborate cooked meal.
“Niamh was excited to be part of the competition,” Crios said. “She loves choosing what goes into her lunchbox and looks forward to what she is going to eat during the day.”
This year, six families will each win a $1000 Woolworths e-Gift card, and their child’s school will also receive a $2,000 Woolworths e-Gift card. Entries close on Friday 28 February.
The four-week campaign builds on Life Ed’s nutrition-focused modules, helping children understand that healthy choices are vital for both their minds and bodies.
“Children learn best by doing, which is why hands-on initiatives like this are so powerful,” says Life Ed Queensland chief executive Michael Fawsitt.
“It takes learning beyond the classroom, encouraging families to work together to embed healthy habits. What kids eat today impacts their health both now and in the future.”
Recipe ideasAs part of the Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes initiative, parents and schools can access free resources and activities from Healthy Harold and Woolworths. Check out these delicious budget-friendly recipes and download our free nutrition guide to take the guess work out of providing healthy, tasty meals your kids will love.
“A nutritious lunch is essential for young people to help them thrive at school and at home,” said Sarah De La Mare, Woolworths Head of Community and Sponsorships.
“We recognise that parents are busy, and coming up with lunchbox ideas and balancing the household budget can be a challenge. So, this year, we’ve also released new kids’ lunchbox recipes under $5 per serve to help busy parents balance budgets while packing nutritious meals,” Ms De La Mare said.
Entries in Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes competition are already flooding in, so start thinking outside the (lunch) box and get your entry in for a chance to win.
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