Packing a Safe Lunch for Preschoolers

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A study recently published in the journal Pediatrics found that preschoolers lunches are held at unsafe temperatures 90% of the time, even when packed in an insulated container using an ice pack. Yikes!

Many foods are not considered safe to eat at temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the development of food-born pathogens is especially concerning for young children with still-developing immune systems. If your child’s school doesn’t have adequate refrigeration for school lunches, avoid the following foods:

  • Meats, especially deli meats
  • Dairy products such as cheese, eggs and mayonaise
  • Leafy greens, sprouts, tomatoes and potatoes which are more susceptible to contamination than other vegetables
  • Previously cooked leftovers

So what does that leave for your child’s lunch? Processed, packaged foods are usually safe, but usually lack in nutritional quality. Experts recommend sticking to fresh foods such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fruit. But since the same old PB&J can get boring pretty quickly, try these suggestions to keep lunches interesting:

  • Whole grain bread with almond butter and fresh fruit slices (such as peaches)
  • Milk packaged in aseptic cartons (such as Horizon Organic)
  • Whole grain snacks such as crackers and oatmeal cookies
  • Carrot sticks, grapes and sugar snap peas
  • Raisins and trail mix
  • Foods that can be frozen before being packed, like yogurt

Do you have any suggestions on how to pack a safe, healthy lunch for school-age children? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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