Planning packed meals
A packed meal is food prepared at home or in a kitchen to be eaten somewhere else: a school lunch, a picnic, a travel meal or a work lunch. It should be nutritious, safe, easy to eat, attractive, not messy and able to stay good without refrigeration until eaten. Include a staple (sandwich, chapati, rice), a protein (egg, chicken, beans), a fruit or vegetable, and a drink.
| Packed meal | Contents |
|---|---|
| School lunch | Chapati roll with egg and vegetables, a banana, water |
| Picnic | Chicken pieces, boiled eggs, bread rolls, salad, fruit, juice |
| Travel | Dry foods: boiled cassava, groundnuts, biscuits, fruit, water |
| Office lunch | Rice, beans and greens, in a container with a lid |
Packaging materials
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic container with a lid | Leak-proof, reusable, washable | Can hold smells; avoid hot food in thin plastic |
| Foil | Keeps food warm or fresh | Single-use |
| Greaseproof paper / baking paper | Wraps sandwiches | Not for liquids |
| Banana leaves | Natural, cheap, biodegradable | Tear |
| Insulated flask / cool box | Keeps hot or cold | Heavy, costs more |
| Plastic bags | Cheap | Pollution; not good for hot food |
Food must be cooled before packing to avoid sweating, which spoils it. Keep it away from heat. Wash and dry containers well. Avoid foods that spoil quickly (cream, mayonnaise, undercooked meat) unless kept cold. Use biodegradable or reusable packaging to protect the environment.
Try itTime in the danger zone
Choose how many hours a packed meal stays unrefrigerated at about 30 °C.
Key terms
- Packed meal
- Food prepared to be eaten away from home.
- Biodegradable
- Able to be broken down naturally.
- Insulated
- Able to keep heat or cold.
- Leak-proof
- Not allowing liquid out.
Summary
- A packed meal is nutritious, safe, attractive and easy to eat.
- Choose suitable packaging and cool food first.
- Avoid foods that spoil quickly or keep them cold.
- Use reusable or biodegradable materials.