[FOODIES CORNER] 10 Affordable but healthy Nigerian meals for children school lunch

For school lunch, the best options are affordable, filling, nutritious and easy for children to eat. Here are 10 Nigerian meals that can be prepared with everyday ingredients.

10 Affordable but Healthy Nigerian Meals for Children’s School Lunch

1. Jollof Rice + Egg + Cucumber
   • Rice cooked with tomatoes, pepper and onions, served with boiled or scrambled egg.
   • Add cucumber or carrot sticks for extra vitamins.
2. Beans + Plantain
   • Beans provide protein, fibre and iron, while boiled or lightly fried ripe plantain provides energy.
   • A small portion is enough to keep a child satisfied through school hours.
3. Yam + Egg Sauce
   • Boiled yam served with egg, tomatoes, onions and peppers.
   • A simple, inexpensive meal with carbohydrates and protein.
4. Fried Rice + Chicken
   • Homemade fried rice with carrots, peas, sweetcorn and a small piece of chicken.
   • Use less oil and plenty of vegetables.
5. Moi Moi + Pap
   • Moi moi made from beans, eggs and vegetables provides protein and fibre.
   • Pack a small container of pap separately if the child enjoys it.
6. Spaghetti + Tomato and Vegetable Sauce
   • Cook spaghetti with a homemade tomato sauce containing carrots, green beans or other available vegetables.
   • Add egg, sardine or a little chicken for protein.
7. Sweet Potato + Egg
   • Boiled or baked sweet potato with boiled egg.
   • Sweet potato is naturally filling and provides fibre and vitamins.
8. Rice + Beans + Vegetables
   • A simple combination of rice and beans provides complementary plant protein.
   • Add a small portion of vegetables such as carrots, cucumber or cabbage.
9. Akara + Bread + Fruit
   • Homemade akara with a small portion of wholemeal or regular bread.
   • Add a banana, orange or apple instead of sweets.
10. Noodles + Egg + Vegetables

• If noodles are convenient for busy mornings, make them healthier by adding egg, carrots, cabbage, green beans or spinach.
• Use less of the seasoning packet and avoid making noodles an everyday lunch.

💡 Budget-friendly tip

You don’t need expensive ingredients to make a healthy lunch. Beans, eggs, sweet potatoes, yam, rice, plantain and seasonal fruits can form the foundation of affordable school meals. Rotate them throughout the week so your child gets a variety of nutrients.

For drinks, water is the best everyday choice. A piece of fruit can also make the lunchbox more appealing without adding much cost.