Home Cooking vs Packaged Foods: What I See in the Classroom

When I’m not here in the kitchen whipping up a storm, you’ll find me working as a relief teacher. And if there’s one thing I notice during lunch duty, it’s the number of packaged foods in kids’ lunchboxes. From chips and biscuits to muesli bars and sugary drinks, these processed snacks have become the go-to for many families.

I get it - life is busy. Between work, after-school activities and everything in between, grabbing a pre-packaged snack is often the easiest option. But as someone who sees firsthand how food impacts children in the classroom, I can’t help but wonder: what is all this processed food doing to our kids?

The Afternoon Energy Spike (and Crash!)

Every time I step into a classroom after lunch, I notice a huge shift in energy levels. In the morning, kids are generally more focused, calm and ready to learn. But after lunch? It’s a completely different story.

They’re buzzing with energy, talking non-stop, struggling to stay on task and often bouncing out of their seats. The noise level shoots up and getting them to settle down and concentrate feels like an uphill battle.

Of course, part of this is just kids being kids - they’ve had a break, they’ve been running around and they’re feeling revitalised. But I can’t help but wonder - could there be a connection between their energetic classroom behaviour and what’s in their lunchboxes? When I see so many processed snacks filled with artificial additives, preservatives and excess sugar, I have to ask: is what they’re eating affecting how they learn and focus?

What’s in Packaged Foods?

Many store-bought snacks are loaded with:
✅ Artificial colours & flavours – Linked to hyperactivity and concentration issues.
✅ Preservatives – Used to keep food fresh longer but may contribute to behavioural changes.
✅ Refined sugars – Cause spikes in energy followed by a crash in mood and focus.
✅ Unhealthy fats – Often found in ultra-processed foods, offering little nutrition.

When kids consume too many of these additives, their energy levels soar - followed by a sharp drop. It’s no wonder they struggle to focus in the afternoon!

Making the Switch: Home Cooking Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

The good news? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make simple, homemade swaps. Even small changes can have a big impact on your child’s energy levels and concentration.

Here are a few easy ways to add more homemade goodness into your family’s routine:

1. Bake Once, Enjoy All Week

It doesn’t take long to whip up a batch of homemade cookies, bliss balls or a simple slice. Spend half an hour on the weekend baking and you’ll have better alternatives ready to go all week.

2. Prep Grab-and-Go Snacks

Chop up fruit and store it in containers, make cheese and cracker snack boxes or portion out some homemade popcorn. Having healthy options on hand makes it easy to skip the packaged snacks.

3. Choose Better Store-Bought Options

When life gets busy, it’s okay to buy some snacks - just check the ingredients. Look for options with minimal additives, whole ingredients, and lower sugar content. And remember, everything in moderation.

4. Swap Sugary Drinks for Water

Juice boxes and flavoured milks can be packed with hidden sugars. Encourage kids to drink water with their lunch instead - it’s the best way to keep them hydrated and focused.

5. Make It a Family Effort

Kids are more likely to enjoy homemade food if they help make it! Get them involved in baking, assembling lunchbox snacks or picking out fruits and veggies at the store.

A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

As a teacher, I want to see kids thriving - not just in the classroom, but in life. And as a home cook, I know that food plays a huge role in that.

I truly believe that with a little planning and some simple swaps, we can reduce our reliance on processed foods and help kids feel (and function!) their best. It’s not about being perfect - it’s about making small, doable changes that add up over time.

Let’s fuel our kids with real food, so they can focus, learn and grow into the amazing little humans they’re meant to be.

A Big Shout-Out to You

If you’re already packing homemade snacks and whole foods in your child’s lunchbox - amazing! I see those fresh fruit slices, homemade muffins and nourishing sandwiches and I know the effort that goes into making them. It might feel like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in your child’s energy, focus and well-being.

And if you’re just starting to make changes, know that every little step counts. Whether it’s swapping one packaged snack for a homemade one or simply adding more whole foods to their day, it all adds up.

We’re all doing our best and together, we can help give our kids the fuel they need to thrive.