At Futuro Early Childhood Education & Care, we believe that every experience, big or small, plays a part in shaping a child’s play, purpose and potential.
Our Lunchbox Week program is one of those special experiences, a fun, hands-on way to help our preschoolers build the confidence and independence they'll need as they take their next big step into primary school.
What is Lunchbox Week?
Lunchbox Week is a Futuro initiative designed especially for children who will be graduating from our preschool rooms this year and starting “big school” in 2026. Throughout the week, each child receives their very own labelled, sustainable lunchbox to use during meal times, practising what lunchtime at school will feel like.
Made from durable, eco-friendly materials, these lunchboxes not only support our sustainability goals but also encourage children to care for their belongings and make environmentally responsible choices from an early age.
Learning Through Everyday Moments
At Futuro, we see every moment as an opportunity for learning. During Lunchbox Week, children explore skills that extend far beyond the lunch table, including:
- Opening and closing their lunchbox
- Managing their food and saving some for later
- Making healthy food choices from a range of lunchbox-friendly options
While still enjoying their usual morning tea from our nutritious centre menu, their lunches and afternoon teas are served in their new lunchboxes, making the experience both fun and authentic.
Through these small but meaningful steps, children practice independence, develop fine motor skills, and gain a sense of pride in doing things for themselves, all key milestones in preparing for school.
Encouraging Healthy Habits from the Start
Lunchbox Week also ties beautifully into National Lunchbox Week, an initiative by Nutrition Australia that promotes healthy, balanced eating habits for children across the country.
We shared Nutrition Australia’s Balance the Box guide with our families, a fantastic resource packed with ideas for creating nutritious, balanced lunchboxes filled with Go, Grow and Glow foods:
- Go foods (for energy): whole grains, rice, pasta, bread
- Grow foods (for strength): lean meats, eggs, dairy, legumes
- Glow foods (for health): fruits and vegetables that keep us shining from the inside out
By connecting healthy eating to fun and routine, we support children in understanding how food fuels their bodies and helps them learn, play and grow.
Supporting School Readiness — The Futuro Way
Transitioning to school is about more than uniforms and pencil cases, it’s about developing confidence, resilience, and a sense of self. Lunchbox Week offers a safe space for children to explore these new responsibilities in a playful, supportive environment.
As educators, we model routines, encourage conversations about food and health, and celebrate each child’s achievements along the way. We believe that when children feel capable and empowered, they’re ready to embrace their next chapter, not just in school, but in life.
Our Vision: Play. Purpose. Potential.
Lunchbox Week is one example of how our curriculum brings our vision to life:
- Play - learning through real-world experiences that are fun, meaningful, and connected to children's interests.
- Purpose - helping children understand why routines matter and how they contribute to independence.
- Potential - giving every child the tools, confidence and support they need to thrive in new environments.
Each of these elements is woven into our daily practice, from mealtimes to group projects, ensuring every child feels seen, supported and celebrated.
Helpful Links for Families
Balance the Box – Nutrition Australia
Healthy Lunchbox Ideas – NSW Health
Starting School – NSW Department of Education
National Quality Standard – QA2: Children’s Health and Safety
Discover the Futuro Difference
At Futuro, we believe in preparing children not only for school, but for life. Our educators work in partnership with families to create nurturing environments that inspire curiosity, celebrate diversity, and foster the foundations for lifelong learning.
If you’d like to learn more about how we support school readiness across our centres, we invite you to book a tour and experience the Futuro approach, where every child’s play, purpose and potential is at the heart of what we do.