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