I prepare packed lunches for the kids every day to take to school. With hours before they get to eat, how can I make sure their lunches are safe to eat?

The first and most important step is to make sure food is safe BEFORE it is placed in the lunch box. Please visit Be Food Safe to review four easy lessons on preparing food safely: clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Next, start off with the right equipment – that new lunch box. Look for an insulated lunch box to help keep foods cold. A simple plastic or metal box just won't do the trick. Manufacturer tags and labels will often indicate whether the lunchbox is insulated. If you are not sure, ask at the store. Then, you will need a small frozen ice pack to help keep foods cold. Once you have an insulated lunch box and an icepack to go with it, you're off to a good start!

Freeze the icepack overnight. If you prefer packing the lunch box in the evening, leave the lunch box in the fridge and the icepack in the freezer until the next morning. Close the lunch box tightly. Don't forget to clean both the lunch box and the ice pack regularly.

If you don't have an ice pack, you can freeze a bottle of water or juice and use it to help keep foods cool.