“I do feel a lot of guilt about the lunchboxes”: Exploring caregiver perceptions and experiences of packing school lunches

Purpose: The absence of school-provided meals in Australia means caregivers are responsible for providing school lunches, which are a key contributor to children's overall diet. While packing school lunchboxes requires physical, cognitive, relational and emotional labour, there has been little investigation about Australian caregivers' understandings of these processes. This study therefore aimed to explore these perceptions, experiences and beliefs surrounding school lunchbox practices. 

Methods: Qualitative phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with South Australian caregivers of children aged 5–11 years. Interview questions explored experiences, perceptions and decision-making processes related to packing school lunches. Demographic data were collected via surveys. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. 

Results: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (mean age: 42 years), most holding a university degree or higher (n = 11), employed outside the home (n = 11), and caring for an average of two children aged <1–19 years. Three themes were generated collectively highlighting the complexities of lunchbox packing including: 1) the cognitive, physical and relational work of lunchbox packing; 2) managing the ideal lunch, and 3) the emotional load of lunchbox packing. 

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant demands of lunchbox packing, as caregivers navigate multiple pressures from societal expectations, logistical challenges, and children's preferences with limited support. Participants found measuring up to lunchbox ideals challenging, feeling they must justify and manage their approaches accordingly. These findings emphasise the need for systemic approaches to better recognise and support the undervalued and complex work required to feed children on school days.