Finals Week is Approaching, Here's What to Put in a Study Care Package for Your ISU Student

When deciding what to send students in study care packages sweet treats such as cookies, baked goods and energy drinks come to mind.

And while sugary items are less likely to spoil in the mail they are likely to bring on a sugar crash.

Foods high in sugar and fat provide a spike in energy, but in the long term it's not going to be as good for the person, said HRIM Extension Specialist and ISU professor Cathy Strohbehn.

“There's always that crash after you get that sugar high,” Strohbehn said.

An oatmeal cookie would be high in fiber and mail better than a sugar cookie, that could crumble, she said.

Strohbehn recommends filling care packages with foods that don't require refrigeration, that could include some vacuum sealed meats, which might require refrigeration after opening.

Fresh produce is fairly fragile, but if it is packed well and well protected within the container it can be mailed, as well, she said.

Ruth MacDonald, Iowa State University professor of food science and human nutrition, suggests sending treats that are high in protein rather than sugar and fats.

She said to add granola bars, and warm drinks like tea and hot cocoa.

The warm drinks help stimulate the mind without too much caffeine, she said.

MacDonald also suggested adding oatmeal cups, quick mac and cheese meals and tuna or salmon in a pouch. The pouches include crackers for a quick meal.

And she said to add an encouraging note telling the student to hang in there and to sleep well.

“The statistics show that sleeping is more important and more valuable in success than staying up and cramming all night,” MacDonald said.

Without enough sleep people can't think clearly and will be too exhausted to take the test, she said.

Additional ideas from Strohbehn's and Food Science and Nutrition Professor Ruth Litchfield's “What's for Lunch? It's in the Bag” article about packing healthy lunches for the Extension service follow below:

Dry Cereals

Nuts like almonds

Trail Mix

Oranges

Apples

Bananas

Raisins

Dried Fruit

If you do insist on sending perishable items find some safety tips from the USDA here.