Back to School Lunchbox SOS! Safe Packing Tips from Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department
Keep Your Kids Safe & Healthy This School Year: Lunchbox Safety Tips!
As the excitement of back-to-school season builds, it's the perfect time to refresh our knowledge on keeping our kids healthy and safe. At the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, we're committed to ensuring a healthy start to the school year for every child. One crucial area often overlooked? The humble school lunchbox!
Packing a lunch that's both nutritious and safe requires a little planning and attention to detail. Foodborne illnesses are a real concern, but with these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the risk and ensure your child enjoys a safe and delicious midday meal.
Top Tips for Safe School Lunch Packing
- Keep it Cool: This is the golden rule! Perishable foods like sandwiches with meat/cheese, yogurt, and cut fruits and vegetables *must* be kept cold. Use insulated lunch bags and include a chilled ice pack. Even better, use two ice packs – one on top of the food and one underneath. The colder, the better!
- Temperature Matters: Aim to keep lunch contents below 40°F (4°C). Check the temperature of the lunch bag when your child gets to school to ensure it's still cold.
- Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, or seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches. Use separate containers within the lunchbox.
- Wash Those Fruits & Veggies: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables under running water *before* packing them. Even if you plan to peel them, washing removes surface bacteria.
- Pack Smart: Avoid packing foods that spoil easily at room temperature, such as mayonnaise, creamy salads, or custard. If you do include them, ensure they are kept very cold.
- Hand Hygiene is Key: Remind your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating lunch. Hand sanitizer is a good alternative if soap and water aren’t available.
- Discard Unfinished Food: Perishable foods that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C) should be discarded. Don't let your child eat leftovers that have been sitting out.
Beyond the Basics: A Few Extra Considerations
Consider using reusable containers to reduce waste and ensure your child's lunch is kept separate and secure. Also, teach your child about food safety – encourage them to tell a teacher or school nurse if they notice anything unusual about their lunch.
At the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, we’re here to help you create a healthy and safe environment for your children. For more information on food safety and other health-related topics, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Wishing you and your children a happy and healthy school year!
