Involving children in meal and lunch box preparation is a great way to develop their independence and help them learn food skills. It also helps them develop a greater appreciation for foods like vegetables and fruit.^{(1, 2)} 

• Choose food options that are easy to eat with your fingers, such as apples, clementines, fruit sauce or a handful of blueberries. 
• Prepare food ahead of time: cut up fruits and vegetables, cook pasta, rice, or quinoa.  
• Use leftovers from the day before to save time and avoid waste.  
• Vary the presentation: raw vegetables & dip, sautéed vegetables, soup and vegetable juice in a thermos, fruit salad, fruit sauce in a pouch. 

^{(1)  Canada’s Food Guide.  https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/} 

^{(2) Canada’s pediatricians. Caring for kids. Healthy snacks for children. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/healthy_snacks_for_children}