Beth Ann Bentley: Hi, I am Beth Ann Bentley from www.

ilunchbox.

com and today we are talking about packing healthy lunches. I am giving you some information and inspirations to do so. Did you know that the average school age child needs 180 meals out of a bag or off a tray each school year? Add in summer school and summer camp, and it's well over 200. Likewise, the same amount of morning snacks and afternoon snacks are also eaten out of a bag or off a tray. That's one third of your child's daily nutrition. While public outreach like the USDA's MyPyramid Program has improved outreach on education for child health and nutrition. The majority of Americans still eat the standard American diet. SAD for short. What does lunch look like on SAD? It looks like this. The prepackaged processed meat products that come with the drink and a treat. The premade peanut butter and jelly sandwich with some sweetened apple sauce and maybe a fruit punch or a simple sandwich on light bread with cheese snacks and an apple. The results are seen in the health of our children. 20% of American school aged children are considered obese and suffering the medical consequences with Type2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, digestive problems and behavioral and social issues. It's time that lunch should matter. In this series we will be discussing the nutritional breakdown of lunch and why it's important. Next, will be debunking some of the common lunch making myths. Third, making a plan, turning dinner into several healthy lunch time options. Next, the basics of food allergies, and how to pack your child's lunch. Then, eco friendly lunches and why that's important, not just to your wallet, but also the environment. The anatomy of the lunch box comes next, and finally tips on making childhood favorites healthier. Before we get started, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am the publisher of ilunchbox.

com and holistic nutrition educator, a food and beverage professional, and the mother of four school aged children. Now let's get started.