schools

You can’t help but see school supplies everywhere if you’ve been shopping during the last few weeks. Alongside purchasing new backpacks and notebooks, it’s essential to also stock up on lunchbox essentials that will keep your child’s homemade lunches safe: insulated soft-sided lunch bags, two cold sources and insulated containers for hot foods.

Parents and caregivers should take extra precautions when preparing and packing a school lunch. Flunking in food safety is not an option, especially when children are most vulnerable to foodborne illness.

More than 50 million youth are expected to attend U.S. schools this fall, and a good portion will be taking their own lunches to school. To help parents and caregivers prepare to-go meals safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers some advice.

As the school year kicks off, it’s time for a crash course in lunchbox food safety. Here’s a study guide to help you pass any food safety pop quizzes when packing lunches.