How to Pack a Lunch Box

Co-authored by Kathryn Kellogg

Last Updated: January 15, 2024

For students, packing your own lunch can mean freedom from the same cafeteria food each day, or from a parent's tastes in lunch packing. For professionals, it can mean having a lunch hour free for exercising, having fun, networking with colleagues, or getting some work done. In either case, packing a lunch can save money and allow you to take control of your health and your diet.

Steps

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1
Select a good lunch box. Besides your favorite color (or cartoon character) look for these characteristics:
- Ample capacity, especially if you are packing food for an entire day and not just a lunch hour. Don't forget.
- Insulation. With good insulation and a freezer pack to keep things cool, foods will be fresher at lunchtime. Wrap juice boxes in newspaper to keep them cold.
- Carrying handles or straps. Try these in the shop, especially if you will carry your lunch box by hand a great deal, such as if you walk or cycle to school.
- Easy cleanup. No matter how carefully you pack, your lunch box will end up with crumbs and spills in it, so think, when you buy it, think about how easy it will be to wipe or rinse out.
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You can even plan your lunch menus a week ahead, if you like. Preparing your lunch the night before also means less time is wasted in the morning.

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3
Prepare the food. Aim for a variety each day. Try including:
- A main dish, such as a sandwich, soup, salad, or wrap.
- Fruit(s) and vegetables.
- Snack(s) and treats.
- A drink.
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Community Q&A

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Question

What are some foods I can pack? I'm always stuck, I just don't know what to pack.

Community Answer

You can pack a sandwich which would be the main meal, then a snack to accompany the meal such as a fruit or a granola bar. Then H20 and a yogurt or any other snack in case you get hungry after school.

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How do I save it for next time?

Community Answer

If you have any leftovers, keep them in the fridge, and eat them later that day or the next day.

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What if you're a kid and packing your own lunch?

Zara10cate

Community Answer

Even if you are a child, you can still use the information above as a guideline to pack your own lunch. However, you may want to consider asking for help from an adult if you are new to this experience.

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Video

Menu Ideas

**Menu Ideas**
	Main Dish	Fruit or Vegetable	Snack or Treat	Drink
Monday	sandwich	apple	cookie	juice
Tuesday	soup	carrot sticks	cake	milk
Wednesday	salad	dried fruit	yogurt	bottled water
Thursday	wrap	celery with dip	granola bar	powdered drink
Friday	leftovers	strawberries	brownie	juice
Alternate	bento	peach	fruit snacks	fruit juice/vegetable Juice

Tips

Make a timetable for what you would like each day. Include lots of fruit and vary your decisions. Also include a napkin or some hand gel for before lunch and afterwards.

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Keep a supply of foods on hand that are easy to add to your lunches. Yogurt, granola bars, dried fruit, and other snacks travel well.

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If you don't have a microwave or a refrigerator available, use ice packs or cold drinks with an insulated lunch box or cooler to keep everything cool. Also try a thermos to keep a drink cool or warm.

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Warnings

Do not put meats or other perishable items in your lunch box and let it stay out at room temperature for more than a brief period.

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