Heading back to school? Here’s how to pack lunches safely, says USDA

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As students head back to class, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding parents to make food safety part of their school prep. In a recent press release, the agency warned that young children—especially those under age five—are at a higher risk of foodborne illness, making safe lunch packing a top priority.

Keep Cold Foods Cold

The USDA says perishable foods should always be packed with at least two cold sources, such as frozen gel packs or even a frozen juice box. Placing one cold pack above and one below the food helps keep items out of the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F, where bacteria can multiply quickly. If a school refrigerator is available, store lunches there until it’s time to eat.

Choose an Insulated Lunch Bag

When it comes to containers, the agency recommends using an insulated lunch bag or box instead of paper bags, which can tear, lose cool air, and put food at greater risk for spoilage.

Keep Hot Foods Hot

Hot items, such as soups or chili, should be kept above 140°F. The USDA suggests preheating insulated containers with boiling water for a few minutes, then filling them with steaming-hot food. Keep the lid closed until lunchtime to maintain a safe temperature.

Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety

The USDA also emphasizes following its core food safety practices:

• Clean: Wash hands before and after handling food, and clean lunch containers daily.
• Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure hot foods reach safe internal temperatures.
• Chill: Refrigerate perishable food promptly and never leave it out for more than two hours.

Need More Help?

Parents can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email [email protected], or use the agency’s live chat in English or Spanish for lunch safety questions. Full details are available in the official USDA announcement.

The Bottom Line

Back-to-school season isn’t just about new supplies—it’s also a time to protect kids’ health. By keeping cold foods cold, hot foods hot, and following USDA’s Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill steps, families can make sure every packed lunch is as safe as it is delicious.