Finding a health option to fill your child's lunchbox has always been a problem for parents. But now help is at hand. KATE THOMPSON reports.

NINE out of ten children's lunchboxes contain foods with too much saturated fat, salt and sugar, according to a survey by the Food Standards Agency.

To help parents make an informed decision over what to put in their children's packed lunchboxes, Healthy Eating for the Under 5s has been published by children's food pioneer Organix Brands.

Lizzie Vann, a committed campaigner for better foods for children, set up Organix in Christchurch, Dorset in 1992 - devising recipes in her own home.

Twelve years on the organic foods her company produces are eaten by almost three out of four children in their first year of life.

Lizzie and the company have received many awards including European Woman of Achievement, the Caroline Walker Campaign Award and she also received an MBE for services to children's food.

She is now calling for a Children's Food Bill and wants parents to add their support.

The campaign is calling for:

More informative labelling

A ban on many food additives

Stricter pesticide testing

So what can parents do to improve their children's diet?

Read every label and if it does not show the salt, sugar and saturated fat level, don't buy it

Look for additives and if you don't like the sound of them, or don't recognise them as foods, then again, don't buy the food

HELEN'S TOP TIPS:

Helen Shipton was one of the parents who lead the Organix Parent Panel - a volunteer group of mums and dads who advise Organix.

She said:

Make mealtimes fun

Don't be concerned if your child suddenly goes off their favourite food. Leave it for a few days and try again a week or so later

Don't pander to your child's needs but be firm with the food you offer

Don't offer something else if they won't eat what you have cooked

Experiment with different recipes. Don't be afraid to add herbs and spices from an early age

Don't panic if they don't eat for a few days. As long as they are having milk they will not starve.

GOOD SNACKS

Organic carrot/cucumber sticks with humous or soft cheese dips

Microwave popcorn

Organic beans on toast

Fresh soups

Organic rice cakes/oatcakes and peanut butter

Organic mini jacket potatoes with beans/homemade coleslaw

Stir fried organic chunky-chopped veg

Warmed mini-naan breads filled with vegetables and fish

Muffins and crumpets, chunks of good quality breads, fruit breads. Homemade carrot cake, banana bread.

Seasonal fruits, organic if possible

BAD SNACKS:

These contain too many negative nutrients - try to keep them to no more than two helpings a week

Fried food

Processed food such as ready-meals

Fatty salty foods such as pies, sausages and burgers

"Diet" foods

Sugary breakfast cereals

All confectionery and sweets

Anyone wanting a copy of the Healthy Eating Guide can call 0800 393511.