SACK LUNCHES

When you have kids, making sack lunches is a given. You want to make sure that you send good food with them, but you also want to make sure that you are sending it safely.

Spend the money and on a good insulated lunch bag.

When making your lunches, start with a clean work surface, and make sure that anything that you prepare the lunch with is also clean.

Make sure that you seal dry food items in clear plastic airtight bags.

If you are sending cold items, prepare them the night before and refrigerate. Drop them in the bag just as you are going out the door.

Send hot foods in preheated insulated bottles. To preheat/chill a bottle, fill with hot/cold tap water and let stand for about 5 minutes or so. Empty the bottle and refill immediately with the hot/cold food.

If you are sending a layered sandwich, pack the vegetables in separate airtight bags.

If sogginess causes issues, pack condiments in small containers or purchase pre-sealed packages.

If you are sending boxed fruit juice, place the juice in the freezer a few days before. When you are packing your lunch, place this on the top of your bag and it will act as an ice pack to keep food cool.