Today’s lunch bags are made with a high tech material that kids can use to keep their food cold so they can have a safe lunch when they’re ready to eat it.
The insulated versions will keep food cool for about four hours depending on the bag, though packing the bag with ice packs or frozen foods is important in determining how cold the food will be.
It’s best to have at least two frozen packs in the bag. Ice packs come in many different sizes so they easily fit the lunch bag you use. Or you can freeze juice boxes beforehand, place them in the bag, and they’ll be mostly thawed out when you’re ready to use them.
Place the frozen pack or juice box directly next to the item that needs to be kept cold – such as a meat sandwich with cheese. Chips and most whole fruit don’t require refrigeration while some vegetables may need to be kept cool. Ask the school if they have a refrigerator for lunch bags to help keep food cold.
Parents should plan their children’s menu when shopping each week and prepare as much of the lunch the night before as possible. Getting kids involved with choosing foods will make them more likely to eat them. Rinse fresh fruit and vegetables with water and prepare any fruits and vegetables so they are ready to eat.
To encourage food safety, put a note in their lunch bag to remind children to wash their hands before eating – 20 seconds with warm, soapy water – and pack disposable wipes in the lunch bag as an extra food safety step.
By: Brenda Langdon
