If you are tired of your child returning from school with an uneaten sandwich or an untouched container of food, the problem may not be with the food you are packing. It may not make sense that your kid doesn’t eat the food that he or she asked for the night before or during breakfast. You may be concerned that your kid is filling up on junk food on the sly or has problems with his or her appetite.

Chances are your child is not asking for a specific sandwich he or she then doesn’t eat to be passive aggressive, but there may be a factor that isn’t related to the actual food. Perhaps it is time not to overthink the actual lunch menus but to consider the lunch boxes.

Why a Lunch Box Is Important

You may dream about a scrumptious BLT for lunch one evening only to feel uninspired by the results. If you take your BLT in a brown bag for lunch, the sandwich has had to survive a long commute in a hot subway, bus or car and three or four additional hours of work time before you actually get around to eating the BLT. Once you peel off the plastic wrap, you may be greeted with soggy bread, warm mayonnaise, wilted lettuce and smashed tomatoes. The only thing left worth eating the sandwich you dreamed up last night is the bacon.

If you would have packed your BLT in an insulated lunch box, you may have avoided the overly warm mayonnaise and the spoiled trimmings. Looking for the right kind of lunch box made of certain materials can allow you to enjoy sandwiches and salads that are as fresh and tasty as those you prepare at home. The secret to encouraging your kid to eat his or her packed lunch is to find the right lunch box to keep food items at a reasonable temperature and to maintain freshness.

Selecting a Lunch Box

When choosing a lunch box for your kid, pay attention to features and aesthetics. It is worth investing in a tote that is insulated to keep the food warm or cool and prevents the growth of bacteria. Look for protective features that prevent spilling and leaking. You can also find boxes that have extra storage space for different kinds of containers and features that allow you to clip the lunch box to your kid’s backpack.

If your child is not eating a lunch he or she specifically asks for, it is not likely your kid is playing an elaborate prank on you. Food tastes much different on the plate than in the plastic wrap, and it can be a challenge to keep packed lunches fresh and appealing. Talk to your child about why he or she is not eating lunch and have your kid help plan lunches and pick out his or her lunch box. Look for a box that has a bright design and is easy to carry. A lunch box should be insulated, prevent food spoilage and be easy to clean daily.