Back to School
The most important tips to remember about packing school lunches:
- Always keep everything clean: Hands, surfaces, utensils, fresh fruit and veggies, everything!
- Keep hot foods hot: Use an insulated bottle for hot foods.
- Keep cold foods cold: Use an insulated lunch box and frozen gel packs – or a frozen juice box – to keep things cool until lunchtime (but not later).
- When you’re done, throw it away: Throw away used paper and plastic bags. And throw away any perishable leftovers.
General Information
Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe (USDA)
Safe handling recommendations to prevent foodborne illness from "bag" lunches.
Podcasts
Back to School Food Safety (USDA)
Advice for students and parents on being food safe.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (6:18 minutes)
School Lunches and After School Snacks (USDA)
Two teenagers discuss how to be food safe when preparing school lunches and after school snacks.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (8:53 minutes)
Tailgating (USDA)
How to avoid foodborne illness when having a tailgating event.
Listen to the podcast or read the script (4:15 minutes)