Student’s dissertation looks at what lies in children’s lunchboxes

Posted 4 March 2016

Harper Adams University student Ellie Millward wants to understand what goes into a secondary schoolchild’s lunchbox, and if lunchbox policies should be enforced to lead to healthier lunchtimes.

Ellie, 22, is studying BSc (Hons) Food Nutrition and Well Being. She said: “Originally, I wanted to get into teaching, so I did a period of work experience in a school. While there, I saw that there were regulations on what could be served in the canteen, but yet not always on the lunches the children brought in from home.

“People are aware that packed lunches aren’t always healthy, but little is being done to address this issue.

“I want to survey parents of children in secondary schools, to see if there is a lunchbox policy in place at the schools their children go to, and their awareness towards nutritional guidelines and food labelling. 

“I hope to establish if this is an area which requires further research and commitment to bring in policies, or if parents already have a thorough understanding of the nutritional value of the food they are providing to their children.

“I’m really passionate about this, and want to look into it, because young people of today are expected to have a shorter life expectancy due to their poorer diets. People aren’t fully aware of what they are eating and junk food is so cheap.

“If the parents don’t have a full understanding of what is suitable for their child, then you can’t expect for the child to know. We need to put them first so that they can have long and healthy futures.

“If you are responsible for a child aged 11-18 and based in the UK, please help me with my dissertation by filling in this short survey. It’s open until Friday March 18.” 

‘Making My Mark’ is a collection of dissertations being completed by Harper Adams final year undergraduate students which have an interesting story behind them or are on a subject of public interest. If you have a dissertation you wish to be included, please email press@harper-adams.ac.uk