ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WITN) – The 2024-2025 school year begins Monday, which means parents will spend the next few days putting together lunches and snacks for their children.

Strawberries, bananas and avocados are healthy foods for school children’s lunch boxes. Michelle Oketcho, mother of a kindergarten child, says she has prepared her daughter for the start of the school year.

“We talk a lot about kindergarten,” Oketcho said. “What it will be like, dropping her off and picking her up. When she’s in line for lunch, we try to prepare her so she knows what to do.”

The plan for her daughter is to pack a lunch a few days a week and buy lunch at school the rest of the days.

“She loves the idea of ​​packing her lunch,” Oketcho said. “I’m not 100% sure what we’re going to do, though.”

When it comes to healthy eating, it can be especially difficult for children. Matthew Mano of the Onslow County Health Department says there are many ways children can get the nutrients they need. One way is to make a smoothie.

“Think of your frozen bananas and strawberries and then throw in some spinach,” Mano said. “The kids won’t taste it, but they’re getting those nutrients, boosting their immune system and getting the minerals they need. Sometimes without even realizing it.”

Mano recommends taking a look at the nutritional label on the packaging before purchasing.

There is a program called MyPlate that ensures that children eat all five food groups at once.

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