Packing a Healthy and Safe Lunch

It’s that time of year again—parents are smiling and kids are thinking the summer as too short! It’s school time again! That means back to school lunches. If your child takes his lunch, you need to remember a few safety and health guidelines to keep him healthy and happy.

Remember that it’s August—and heat is a friend of food borne illness. If you are sending perishables, try some of these ideas: --Freeze a juice box or water bottle the night before, and include it next to the ham sandwich. By the time lunch rolls a round, the drink will be thawed, and the sandwich will still be cold. --Use an insulated lunch bag with a freezy in it to keep things cold. --Freeze your sandwich the night before, and it will be thawed by lunch. --Wash all fruits and vegetables in cold water before sending them in a lunch. --Wash your hands and clean your food preparation areas before making your child’s lunch. --Use shelf stable items like canned fruits, puddings, and meats to keep things safe.

For a healthy lunch:

• Include at least one fruit and vegetable in every lunch.
• Don’t forget dairy—cheese on a sandwich, or sticks are fun—cottage cheese and sunflower seeds are fun. Milk in a thermos is always great!
• Low fat sandwich items paired with toppings like mustard and a slice of tomato and pickle will add more vitamins and minerals.
• Treats in lunches in moderation are always appreciated—small puddings or sweets are yummy!
• Try using different types of breads for sandwiches. Pita pockets are always fun! Try rolling your sandwich in a tortilla. Only you imagination is your limit!