This year's findings, published today, show that children are eating double the recommended lunchtime intake of saturated fat and sugar, and up to half their daily recommended salt intake. Three out of four lunchboxes (74%) also fail to meet the Government nutritional standards that were set for school meals in 2001.

The survey looked at 688 home-packed lunchboxes for children from 28 schools across England.

It found that since last year the amount of fat in an average child's lunchbox has increased by 3 grams, of which saturated fat has increased by 1g.

Agency nutritionist Sam Church (pictured below left) said: 'Parents want the best for their children but everybody knows how difficult and stressful it can be to get children to eat a wider range of different and healthier foods.

'Our survey findings revealed that children need to eat more starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, rice, fruit and veg, and dairy foods, such as yoghurts; so the Agency has incorporated these foods into two months' worth of lunchbox suggestions.

'We have selected some quick and simple lunchbox recipes that both children and their parents can make together. These will show children that healthy eating can be fun and will stimulate kids' interest through different colours, shapes and tastes and will help them try a wider range of foods. Our survey findings revealed that children need to eat more starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, rice, fruit and veg, and dairy foods, such as yoghurts; so the Agency has incorporated these foods into two months' worth of lunchbox suggestions.

'We all know that what children eat now can have a big impact on their diet and health in the future and that there is nothing wrong with children having the odd snack, but these should be eaten in moderation and as part of a varied and balanced diet.'

This year's updated advice and suggestions also includes some lunchbox recipes from the Agency's Cooking Bus for parents and children to make together.