How do you keep your kids school lunches hot? (to 140 degrees)

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for ways to keep my son's school lunches hot enough for safe consumption without a microwave (140 degrees is recommended to keep food safe). The school he will attend does not provide a microwave or refrigerator so his lunches will sit out for at least three hours until lunch time. I can put ice packs in his insulated lunch bags to keep food cold, but I'm not sure how to keep food hot enough so there's no risk of food borne illness or bacteria growth. Stainless steel insulated thermoses say they will keep food warm for up to 5 hours, but they won't say at what temperature. How do you (experienced parents) handle this challenge?

Thanks,

Concerned Mom

[Anonymous]

What exactly are you sending in his lunch that needs to stay hot? Why not pack foods that are room-temperature friendly or can be kept cold with the ice packs you mentioned?

[Anonymous]

PP: How is that responsive to the OP's question? She didn't ask for suggestions for room-temperature food or cold food.

[Anonymous]

I will definitely do cold foods like sandwiches, salads etc, but I know my child, he will not eat cold food every day. I'm trying to give him variety and keep food safe for consumption. I've heard of parents using thermoses, but I'm not sure if they keep food hot enough so that bacteria does not grow while the food is just sitting out. My lunch ideas will change depending on what I make every day, but there could be rice, pasta, soups and such that shoudl be eaten warm, not cold. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP: How is that responsive to the OP's question? She didn't ask for suggestions for room-temperature food or cold food.

And how is your response helpful other than being a hall monitor? Perhaps we can answer OP's question better if we know what she wants to keep warm. Chicken soup vs. Spaghettios? Nuggets vs a hamburger? Ok?

[Anonymous]

The other problem with thermoses is that they are glass and break easily when they are dropped. I don't have any other suggestions though.

[Anonymous]

Yes, glass breakage is a concern as well with a two year old... there are stainless steel lined thermoses on the market, I'm just not sure if they work as well (or maybe that neither work). I have not used thermoses before and am not outdoorsy, I'm hoping there are parents out there who are and know the answer. Thanks.


OP

[Anonymous]

Target sells a thermos that is plastic and has a wide mouth that is perfect for sending hot school lunches. No glass involved.

[Anonymous]

how old is the child that will eat something at 140?

will the child have assistance to handle the food if it's a toddler?

[Anonymous]

I've used stainless steel thermoses (no glass lining) to keep hot food lunch for my toddler, but the food has been eaten within 2 hours. I don't know how it would fair for longer time frame. Maybe try a meat/candy thermometer and test the temperature for the timeframe you need to keep food hot.

[Anonymous]

He's two, and I hope the teachers will help the kids. He knows to blow on hot foods and test for temperature before eating it.

15:43: I will look for such a plastic thermos. I hope it will work since I don't think a plastic thermos will retain heat as well as one with metal or glass liners.

Thanks everybody.

OP

[Anonymous]

I'm 15:43 above

I heat my daughter's lunch in the microwave right before I leave the house at 7:00, and she eats lunch at about 11:00 or so. She has never complained about it being cold, nor has she ever gotten sick.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Target sells a thermos that is plastic and has a wide mouth that is perfect for sending hot school lunches. No glass involved.

We use this type of thermos. I heat up a bowl of my son's favority hearty soup, or some spaghetting and sauce with meatballs, or whatever -- to boiling, then put it in the thermos. I have to admit I have never tested the temp four hours later to see if it is still 140 degrees, though.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like I have some experimenting to do. I will heat up the food to boiling, pour it in to a thermos and see how hot it stays three hours or so later. I'll report back once I try it. The "food police" recommends hot food stay hot at above 140 degrees or risk bacteria growth and other food borne illnesses. I'm sure other parents have this concern as well. After all, I'm sure no parent wants their kids to get sick from food we lovingly and painstakingly prepare every day. Thanks.

OP

[Anonymous]

When I've packed hot foods in thermoses for myself, I've found they definitely stay hotter longer if I prep the thermos by filling it with boiling water, closing it, and letting it sit while I heat up my food. (This is especially easy if you have an electric tea kettle). Then, when the food is ready, I pour out the hot water, pour in the hot food & put the thermos in an insulated re-usable lunch bag.