Quincy, MA - Since September is National Food Safety Education Month, the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has some back-to-school food tips for keeping lunches safe. "Stop & Shop believes that safe food handling practices in our stores and our homes are a year 'round effort, but during National Food Safety Education Month ^SM we are happy to partner with the federal government to bring the issues into national focus. This year we want to emphasize safe and healthful lunches," said Faith Weiner, Director of Government and Public Affairs for Stop & Shop.

Rule one in back-to-school safety is keeping the lunch cold. Since refrigeration until lunchtime isn't always an option, extra attention should be given to how the lunch is packed. Insulated lunch boxes and bags, which are available at Stop & Shop stores in a variety of colors, sizes and a variety of popular character designs, keep foods cold or warm. Parents need to make sure that when selecting a lunch box or bag, it is insulated and closes tightly with a zipper or Velcro closure.

Another option for keeping foods cold for a longer period of time is a freezer pack. Packs come in many styles and should be kept in the freezer until it's time to leave for school.

Insulated bottles are a must for keeping beverages cold and soup hot. A diverse selection of sizes, shapes and colors are available at Stop & Shop to meet the needs of any child, no matter what their age. For hot foods or drinks, fill the bottle with boiling water, let stand for a few minutes, empty and put the piping hot food in. Insulated bottles should remain closed until lunchtime to maintain the appropriate temperature.

How and what is packed in the school lunch is important not only for its nutrition content but also for its safety. Use non-perishable, shelf-stable foods that hold with minimal refrigeration until lunchtime. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter sandwiches, canned meats, shelf-stable cheeses, packaged pudding, canned or single serve fruits and juice boxes are recommended. Remember to always wash fresh fruits and vegetables before they are packed.

Pack just the amount of perishable food that can be eaten at lunch. Saving part of a sandwich for snacking after school isn't recommended as it can spoil. Discard all used food packaging and paper bags as well. Cross-contamination can occur by reusing packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, food wraps, and aluminum foil, causing food borne illness. Reusable lunch bags and freezer packs should be washed with warm, soapy water every night. Following these simple tips will ensure that lunchtime is fun for all students.

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company, based in Quincy, MA, employs more than 57,000 associates and operates more than 345 stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Stop & Shop is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ahold, one of the world's largest food retailers.