Does Your Child Have Paleo School Dinners?

I was really interested to discover a fantastic blog, by a nine year old British schoolgirl, Neverseconds. She’s been taking photos of her school dinners and posting them onto her blog. As someone with a passionate interest in nutrition, but no children, this is such an interesting insight. The blog obviously isn't written from a Paleo standpoint, but it is very interesting to gauge just how far away school dinners are from (what I would deem) optimal.

For young children, good nutrition is absolutely crucial; they are growing and more importantly their brains are still developing. It’s becoming accepted that fat is extremely important in the nutrition of children; yet these lunches are clearly following the outdated low-fat “wisdom”. I find it concerning that young children eat their dinner staring at a big “LOW FAT” label, such as on the yoghurt. Even subconsciously this will lead to a long, deep held belief that fat must be avoided. As well as fat, the dinners look to be very low in protein too.

I also find the amount of refined carbohydrates concerning. After lunch the children will have grossly elevated blood sugar levels – leading to a crash probably during their next lesson. A crash in blood sugar levels isn't conducive to concentration and alertness!

There are so many processed foods, very little looks entirely home-made (perhaps just reheated). When cooking for large numbers as in a school setting, it should be perfectly possible to cook nutritious lunches from scratch, using local produce, on a budget.

Surely good nutrition should be easy with children? They don’t have a choice and aren't in the position to research and understand about nutrition in the same way adults are. What they eat as a child is likely to set their eating behaviours for life. It is so sad to see how these children are fed, by the very people who should be setting them up with good nutrition.

The Long-Term Impact of School Lunches

When we consider the impact of diet on physical and cognitive development, school meals play an incredibly influential role. For many children, school lunch may be the most nutritionally complete meal they receive each day. That’s a huge responsibility for schools — yet all too often the offerings fall short. The reliance on ultra-processed foods, sugar-laden desserts, and low-fat dairy reinforces poor eating habits from a young age.

There is now a growing body of evidence showing that children who consume a diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed foods are more likely to experience attention issues, behavioural problems, and even depression. When the bulk of a meal is made up of white bread, sugary yoghurts, and processed meats, it’s no wonder kids are struggling with focus and energy dips in the afternoon.

Why Fat and Protein Matter in a School Meal

Despite outdated guidance, dietary fat — especially from whole food sources like avocado, meat, eggs, and coconut — is essential for developing brains. These fats support the formation of neural connections and help children feel satiated for longer, avoiding the mid-afternoon blood sugar crash many experience after high-carb lunches.

Similarly, adequate protein is key for physical growth, immune function, and attention span. Yet when you look at many school lunches, protein is minimal at best. Instead of a proper portion of chicken, fish, or beef, kids might get a few slices of processed ham or a small portion of baked beans — often more sauce than substance. This imbalance leads to energy instability and contributes to cravings for more refined food later in the day.

The Trouble with the “Low Fat” Message

One of the most concerning aspects of many school food programs is the continued promotion of “low fat” products to children. From labelled yoghurts to low-fat cheese slices, this reinforces a now-debunked idea that fat is bad — an idea that can become deeply ingrained and persist well into adulthood. It may also encourage kids to fear foods like egg yolks, butter, and meat — which are in fact incredibly nutrient-dense.

What’s worse is that these low-fat products often contain added sugar to compensate for lost flavour, creating a double whammy: nutrient loss and sugar overload. Children need to be taught that food isn’t just about calories or fat percentages — it’s about nutrients and nourishment.

Can You Pack a Paleo Lunch for Your Child?

Thankfully, some schools allow packed lunches, giving parents the option to provide their children with better nutrition. If your child is eating Paleo, here are a few practical, school-friendly lunchbox ideas that travel well and don’t rely on heating or refrigeration (beyond an ice pack):

• Mini frittatas or egg muffins made with vegetables and diced meat
• Chicken drumsticks or meatballs with vegetable sticks and avocado dip
• Fruit skewers with coconut flakes and almond butter for dipping
• Beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, and a handful of macadamia nuts
• Leftovers from last night’s dinner in a thermos — stew, curry, or roasted veg and meat

These options provide high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fibre from real food. They’re satisfying, portable, and help your child avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster that comes with traditional lunchbox staples like sandwiches and muesli bars.

Dealing With School Lunch Rules

Some schools have very specific lunchbox policies, which can include banning nuts or requiring particular food groups. In Australia, nut bans are common for allergy safety, so it’s important to find alternatives like seed-based snacks (sunflower seed butter, for instance). If your child’s school has a rigid stance on what should be included in a lunchbox (e.g. mandatory dairy or grains), it’s worth opening a respectful dialogue with the staff.

Explain your family’s nutritional values and provide reassurance that your child is getting adequate nutrients through other food sources. You might also be able to supply documentation from a healthcare professional supporting your child’s dietary needs. While not every school will be flexible, many are open to learning more — especially if the message is delivered with positivity rather than confrontation.

Educating the Next Generation About Food

Children are curious by nature, and if you involve them in food preparation and explain why they’re eating certain things, they’re more likely to engage with the process. Even simple things like helping to pack their lunchbox, choosing vegetables from the shop, or growing herbs at home can increase their interest and connection to food.

Use mealtimes as an opportunity to explain where food comes from, how it affects the body, and why eating real food matters. This can help build resilience when your child is surrounded by less nutritious options at school or social events. Kids who understand why they’re eating differently are more likely to stick to it and advocate for themselves.

Is Change Possible Within the School System?

While large-scale reform can be slow, there are growing grassroots movements advocating for better food in schools. From community garden programs and farm-to-table initiatives to local suppliers working with canteens, change is happening in pockets across Australia and the UK. Parents, teachers, and even students themselves are starting to question the nutritional standards and push for better quality meals.

If your school offers lunch orders or has a canteen, you might consider joining the parent committee or engaging with staff about improving the options available. Suggesting simple changes — like switching margarine for butter, offering fruit instead of ice blocks, or adding a salad bar — can be a good start. Every small improvement helps shape a healthier food environment for all students.

Setting the Standard at Home

Even if your child is eating differently at school, what they eat at home is just as important. Weekend breakfasts, after-school snacks, and dinners are all chances to reinforce the benefits of real food. Over time, the habits you build at home can have a much greater impact than a handful of meals eaten at school.

By modelling a nutrient-dense diet yourself and creating a positive food culture at home, your child is more likely to carry these values forward into adolescence and beyond. Nutrition isn’t just about what we feed our bodies — it’s about the beliefs and behaviours we instil along the way.

Do you have school aged children? I’d love to hear what the rules are at their schools – and what they are served. Are you able to insist your child eats Paleo at lunchtimes? How do you navigate a Paleo child and a conventional wisdom school lunch menu?