A healthy lunch box prevents illness and keeps kids' minds alert. Now that they have to go back to school, follow these tips to keep their food safe at all times:
- Keeping sandwiches and perishable foods in a resealable bag doesn't guarantee the food will stay fresh; buy an insulated cooler instead.
- Use small cold boxed drinks, like milk and water, to keep the bag temperature cool and also add at least one ice pack in the lunchbox.
- If your kids' classroom has a refrigerator, make sure they put their lunch boxes in it as soon as they get there.
- A warm lunch should be stored in an insulated container to prevent food poisoning or contamination.
- At the end of the day, clean and sanitize the lunch box and all food containers well; don't reuse any bags.
- Kids' digestive system is even more sensitive than ours. When preparing a lunch box, wash your hands first and make sure knives and cutting boards are sanitized.
- Eggs, beef, turkey, chicken, fresh juice, rice, watermelon, and yogurt are always at risk when they are kept out of the refrigerator. Insulation and ice packs will be their best friends.
Get ready and make a lunch that even their teacher would envy. A healthy lunch box is synonymous of healthy living. Let them grow with a good palate, with love and cravings for fresh and good quality ingredients, without processed food. Don't forget: ”we are what we eat”. For more information visit: FoodSafety.gov
