{
  "id": 13878119,
  "title": "Out-of-the-box ideas for school lunches",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/out-of-the-box-ideas-for-school-lunches",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T05:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-12/three-nutritious-tasty-recipes-for-school-lunch-boxes/107247636"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Parents searching for innovative and nutritious school lunch ideas for their children need look no further than dietician and nutritionist Heidi Sze. Her recipes are both wholesome and appealing, designed to invigorate ordinary lunch boxes.\n\nOne standout dish is a pasta salad that bursts with the flavors of summer. Combining slow-roasted tomatoes, fresh corn, and basil, it's a salad that's not only delicious but also packed with cannellini beans for an added boost of fiber and protein. For those wanting to include more greens in their children's lunches, a generous handful of rocket can be effortlessly added to the mix.\n\nAnother versatile recipe is a mash that melds chickpeas with a medley of ingredients to create a filling for sandwiches or wraps. This mash is not only nourishing and satisfying, but it also has a long shelf life when stored in the fridge. Heidi suggests experimenting with the flavors based on personal preferences and what ingredients are available.\n\nIn addition to these main dishes, Heidi also shares a beloved family tradition of pikelets as an after-school treat. Made with spelt wholemeal flour for a heartier and healthier base, the recipe can be adapted to suit dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, regular cow's milk can be swapped for dairy-free milk, and butter can be replaced with coconut oil.",
  "summary": "Looking for some fresh ideas for what to include in your children's lunch boxes? We have you covered with these nutritious and tasty options from Heidi Sze.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dietician Heidi Sze creates nutritious, appealing school lunch recipes",
    "Pasta salad with tomatoes, corn, basil, and cannellini beans",
    "Chickpea mash with customizable flavors for sandwiches or wraps"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing versatile, nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas and spelt flour offers parents a practical way to transform standard school meals into more sustaining and customizable dietary options for their children.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}