Award-winning chef shares secrets to making healthy, budget-friendly kids' lunches

GLENDALE, Ariz. (July 28, 2009) – It’s one of the most frustrating questions parents deal with on a daily basis, ‘What can I pack for my child’s lunch that is healthy and they will actually eat?’ Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s chef has come up with ways for parents to not only get help with packing those school lunches, but making sure they’re yummy and fit into increasingly tight budgets.

 “I find that my children are more apt to eat a brown bag lunch they've helped to make,” says Jamie Palenque, executive chef at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

“Whether it's the cookies they baked with me or the sandwich they made in the morning, getting kids involved with making their own lunches is the key to not only getting them to help with making their lunch, but the key to making sure they will eat their lunch.”

As part of Banner Thunderbird’s preparation for back to school, Chef Jamie is sharing his secrets with Banner Thunderbird employees on how to make healthy treats and low cost lunches including homemade granola bars, fresh fruit pizza, cheesy stars, turkey pinwheels and chicken pockets.

Thunderbird’s award winning chef is available to demonstrate his healthy and inexpensive treats.

If you are interested in talking with the Chef and/or getting a live demo, please contact the Banner Thunderbird Public Relations Department at (602) 865-5772.