If you're 5yo was still a fussy eater, did they grow out of it?

[headoutofthesand]

Being at home for two weeks with 5.5yo DS has reminded me just how limited his diet is. He only really likes plain, bland, dry food (e.g. roast, toad in the hole, pasta bake) and has done for years now. He was weaned in exactly the same way as his older sister who went through a typically fussy phase as a toddler but now, as an 8yo, will try anything and likes a decent range of things. DS just isn't moving on. Will he ever? Tomorrow is the last day of the holidays and I am really struggling to think of a meal that he will eat and which isn't something we have already had his holiday.

What happens if you offer a meal he doesn’t like and what does he eat at school?

He doesn't eat it! Or will eat a few mouthfuls with much cajoling. He will then go until the next mealtime without a snack but will be tired and irritable.
He's KS1 & we're in England so he's entitled to free school lunches but it is of such poor quality and so unappetising that he has a packed lunch most days which he eats as I put things in which I know he likes (a babybel, a bagel, cucumber and carrot, fruit) as I want him to be in good form and able to learn in the afternoon. If I put it anything he doesn't like, it comes home uneaten.

My youngest is still a very fussy eater and is 6 and a half. He gets free school dinners, but most days has a cheese sandwich and a yoghurt.
He does like lots of salad veg and fruit, so I know at least he's getting some nutrition. He won't eat meat, rice, potatoes, anything spicy... It's a pain tbh and most days I give him pasta and veg as I know he'll eat it.