Kids can become easily turned off eating packed lunches if sandwiches are soggy, drinks have spilled and fruit is smashed. Try these tips to make the lunch more appealing.

* Place tomato slices or other watery fruit and vegetables in a separate container and have your children add them to their sandwiches just before eating.

* If using drink cups, make sure they have secured closures. And remind your kids to close them before putting them back in their lunch bags.

* Pre-cut or place whole fruit in containers to protect it from getting bruised. Make eating fruit easier for your little ones by making a small cut into banana stems for easier peeling or pack bite-size pieces of fruit like pineapple and melons.

* Use a Thermos to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Pack a frozen drink (put it in a self-sealing plastic bag) that will melt by lunchtime or use an ice pack.