ShelfLifeAdvice.com Packs Tips for Safe School Lunches

ORLANDO, FL, September 26, 2010

Many kids' lunches often sit unrefrigerated for hours at school before they are consumed. If you're packing a school lunch, ShelfLifeAdvice.com has important tips to help you keep your child's food nutritious, satisfying and safe before lunchtime even when refrigeration is not possible.

Keep the Lunch Cool
To keep your lunch cool, ShelfLifeAdvice.com recommends placing a frozen item in the lunchbox such as an ice pack, juice box or bottle of water to reduce the risk of contamination with perishable foods. The frozen liquid will keep the food cool and should thaw by lunchtime. Sandwiches can also be made ahead of time and kept refrigerated or frozen before being placed in the lunch box. Don't freeze sandwiches with mayonnaise, lettuce or tomato slices; they will make the sandwich soggy. Pack these items separately in an airtight bag.

Choose the Right Lunchbox
An insulated lunch box or bag is best for keeping food cold because it creates a sealed barrier between the lunch bag's content and the outside air.

Pick the Right Foods
Many foods can keep well without needing to be kept cool. Here are some tips from ShelfLifeAdvice.com to help you choose the right foods to pack:

-Raw veggies: carrot and celery sticks, broccoli florets, pea pods
-Raw fruits: grapes, cherries, apples, bananas, peaches, plums
-Breads and grains: bagels, pita, crackers, cereal bars, granola bars
-Desserts: pie (not cream pie), single-serving pudding cups, cookies, brownies
-Convenience foods: chips, canned tuna, dry cereal, popcorn

Additional information about food storage and temperature tips can be found at http://ShelfLifeAdvice.com.

ShelfLifeAdvice.com is a free website with comprehensive shelf-life and storage information on hundreds of foods, with data from university, government, and other reliable sources.