College Care Packages Ease Tough Transitions

(NewsUSA) - After going off to college, 67 percent of students find what they want most is a taste of home delivered to their mailbox, according to a survey conducted by The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc.

While care packages are a tradition, few parents may realize how much their kids miss home cooking - or at least free food. According to the survey, 40 percent of students say finding money for food is the worst part about eating at college, with dorm food a close second at 33 percent. The survey also revealed that 47 percent of students would welcome home-cooked meals, such as meatloaf and macaroni and cheese, if shipping the hot meals weren't an issue.

The survey confirmed food is still the best way to a man's heart. Forty percent of male students said home cooking is what they missed most. On the other hand, 42 percent of female students missed family, and only 24 percent cited home cooking as what they missed most. The survey also revealed that men miss sweets the most, while women prefer comfort food, such as chicken soup.

Use these tips to create the perfect care package:

* Mix it up. Send home-baked sweets, such as cookies, alongside hearty snacks, like trail mix. Pack items securely in airtight decorative tins or disposable plasticware. You can even send a birthday cake by placing the cake in a tin and packing the frosting separately. Include candles, a card, presents and decorations for an instant birthday party.

* Pack carefully. Ensure baked goods are cool before packing. When shipping multiple items, pack the heaviest ones on the bottom and make sure all items are tightly sealed. Never leave air pockets in containers. Fill gaps with air-filled wrap, so the goodies look as good on arrival as they did when they left the oven.

* Be the dorm favorite. More than 70 percent of students surveyed wanted to share their care packages with friends and roommates, so pack a little extra. Consider sending treats for special occasions and holidays or to celebrate milestones, like the end of midterm exams.

Even though your kids may be miles away, it's easy to share a little taste of home.