What are perishable foods?
Perishable foods are those lunchbox items that you would keep in the fridge at home. Examples include meat, fish, chicken, tofu, vegetarian meat substitutes, eggs, cheese, yogurt, leftovers, rice, pasta, pizza, salads, and sliced fruits and veggies.
Do I have to pack perishables separately if I use a cold pack?
Yes! All perishable foods must be in a separate, labeled bag or container, even if you include a cold pack to keep other items (such as shelf-stable milk or applesauce) cool.
How should I pack them?
Please put all perishable foods together in a zip-top bag or plastic tub labeled with your child’s name. Place this bag in your child’s lunchbox, which should also be clearly labeled with your child’s name so that teachers can match perishable food to boxes at lunchtime.
What does GSLP with my child’s perishable foods?
All perishable foods will be placed in a class bin. The bin will then go in a refrigerator until lunchtime. Teachers will later retrieve the chilled items and return them to lunchboxes.
Why does GSLP do this?
The MSDE Office of Child Care, which licenses preschool programs, requires refrigerating perishables. Licensing rules help ensure your child’s health and safety at school.