Parents worry about children’s eating habits as new school term gets underway

More than half (57%) of parents believe their children had a more healthy diet when they were kept at home, a survey conducted on behalf of Hovis shows. However, with the return to school underway, almost four out of ten parents fear children will eat less healthily when they are back there.

Some 38% of parents are concerned about how healthily their child will eat at school with 57% choosing to provide mainly packed lunches compared with 40% in pre-lockdown times.That is why more than eight out of 10 parents – 83% – questioned say they will try to supplement their children’s diet with more nutritious options in the new term.

Of these parents, 95% said that sandwiches would be a regular feature and 59% of them said this was because they were a healthier option, quick to make and cost efficient.

Nina Shanahan, head of marketing for Hovis, said: “As health remains a top priority, it is not surprising to see that parents are opting for home prepared lunches for their children. Not only are sandwiches seen as a healthy option, but as the UK faces a difficult economic period, they are considered a more time and cost friendly lunch staple.

“As the fastest growing major bread brand, we understand that it is crucial to provide choice to consumers so they can enjoy variety in their packed lunches and which can satisfy their need for bread with added nutritional benefits.”