You Asked It!

Tag: school lunch

Don’t Flunk Food Safety!

school lunch
Have kids help plan school lunches!
Photo: USDA Flickr

School is about to get started again! Plan now if your kids are taking their lunch to school or eating the lunch provided. Here are some tips for packing a food safe lunch.

  • Use an insulated container or lunch box to keep food safe until lunchtime. Use ice packs, frozen bottles of water or frozen juice boxes to help keep food cold.
  • If packing hot foods, use a separate insulated container. Fill it with boiling water to get it heated before added hot food.
  • Check with the school if a refrigerator is available to store cold lunches.
  • Choose foods that are safe at room temperature such as whole or dried fruits, single serve fruit cups, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, hard cheese like cheddar, whole grain crackers, peanut butter (be mindful of food allergies!), or dried meat jerky.
  • Don’t forget to wash your hands!

Learn more at www.fsis.usda.gov/news-events/news-press-releases/dont-flunk-food-safety-school-year

 

It’s Lunch Time!

Turkey Wraps
Pack a wrap! These are easy ways to pack several nutritious foods in a hand-held sandwich.
Photo: USDA Flickr

As school’s start, it’s also time to remember food safety for school lunch. If you pack lunch for your child, keep these tips in mind:

  • Have your child help with shopping and preparation for their lunch. Chances are increased your child will eat the whole lunch!
  • Add colorful fruits and vegetables that are ready-to-eat.
  • Change up the menu during the week so meals don’t get boring.
  • Use an insulated lunch bag with a small ice pack. Freeze juice boxes or fruit cups to help keep foods cold.
  • Limit convenience foods that add extra fat, sodium and sugar.
  • Prepare lunches the night before. Refrigerate cold items and add to the lunch bag in the morning.

Source: What’s for Lunch? It’s in the Bag—Iowa State University Extension

USDA to Relax School Meal Mandates

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has signed a proclamation to restore local control in school lunch programs in the whole grains, sodium, and milk guidelines.

Schools are finding that many kids throw these foods away. While the schools may be compliant with the menu, the reality is the food is wasted. There has also been a decrease in student participation in school lunches. This reduces revenue and increased costs.

Giving back local control allows states and schools  flexibility and more appealing meals for students.

Read more at:

www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2017/05/01/ag-secretary-perdue-moves-make-school-meals-great-again

 

National School Lunch Week

school lunchSince 1962, a weeklong celebration of the school lunch program has existed called the National School Lunch Week (NSLW). School cafeterias use decorations, special menus, events and more to highlight the consumption of healthy and wholesome school lunches.

The NSLW 2016 theme is “Show Your Spirit” and will be held October 10-14, 2016. Here are some ways schools, kids, parents and grandparents  can get involved.

  • Thank the school lunch staff for all their hard work.
  • Kids, invite your parents to eat lunch with you! “National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day” is October 15.
  • Share events on Facebook and other social media outlets.
  • Have a coloring contest with the activity sheets from the NSLW website.

Learn more at: https://schoolnutrition.org/Meetings/Events/NSLW/2016/

MyPlate Guide to School Lunch p1MyPlate Guide to School Lunch

Back to School!

Girl holding sandwichesSchools are busy welcoming kids back to the classroom! If you are packing them a lunch, keep these tips in mind:

  • Introduce children to a variety of whole-grain breads and rolls. Try an unassembled one they can eat in stages.
  • Veggies and dip are always a hit. Cut up carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, or cauliflower and pack with a small container of your child’s favorite low-fat dressing.
  • Include a favorite item along with new foods. This way if the child doesn’t care for the new item, he or she will still have the old favorite.
  • Keep foods safe. Use insulated bags with reusable ice packs to keep foods cool. Use a lunch box with rigid sides to keep foods from getting crushed.

More ideas and tips at http://food.unl.edu/august-food-calendar#backtoschool