On packing school lunches

Hi, busy mom here. I make my kids' lunches the night before but, after reading your blog, I'm super paranoid about making them sick. So, I stopped shoving hot pasta in tupperware then putting it in the fridge. But what else should I be aware of? Like, can PB&J soak through the bread and turn to mold or whatever overnight?

Hello, busy mom. Let me clarify my recommendation as it pertains to not slaughtering your kids. 

When you portion out hot food for your kids’ lunch, let the Tupperware cool on the countertop. Leave the lid off during this pre-fridge session. There’s no exact requirement, but aim for long enough that the food has stopped visibly steaming (10 minutes?). Then add lid and put the food in the fridge. Doing this will allow the meal to cool way faster once it’s in the fridge. Properly cooled food = less bacteria growth.

Now, the PB&Js. Your children’s sandwiches might be a little soggier if you prep them the night before, but there’s no health risk. I like my PB&Js soggy. Let’s hope your kids do, too. If not, you will soon condition them to love soggy food. Win-win. 

learning to love soggy PB & J

Last thing: should you be concerned that your child’s food goes unrefrigerated between leaving the house and lunch time? Nah. Think about how many generations of children have eaten lunch like this without dying. Including you, probably.

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