This article was published in 2014 and updated in October 2026.

It’s hard to believe that your child is now a college student, miles from home and living a life of their own. Part of you knows it’s true — mostly the part that still aches from carrying boxes into their new room — but another part worries. Are they homesick? Are they getting enough sleep? And are they living off instant noodles and cold ravioli from a can?

You can’t enforce a reasonable bedtime from a distance, but you can help keep their pantry stocked and show them how much you care. A food care package does both.

Cold ravioli straight from the can? There are better options.

Italian comfort food

Almost every student loves pasta. Instead of canned spaghetti, send the makings of a proper Italian dinner: good dried pasta, a jar or two of quality tomato sauce, pesto, a block of Parmesan (it keeps well) and a simple recipe card. Ready-made Italian gift baskets are available from many gourmet shops, but a homemade box with their favorite brands is just as welcome — add a colander if their kitchen lacks one.

A taste of home when they’re sick

Colds and flu spread fast in dorms. A “get well” box can include instant or shelf-stable chicken soup, herbal tea, honey, crackers and electrolyte drinks, along with tissues and a warm note. If you’d rather send something homemade, some local restaurants and online food shops deliver ready-to-heat soup — or simply order them a meal through a food delivery app in their town.

Brain food for exam time

During exams there’s little time to cook. Healthy snacks keep energy levels steady during late-night study sessions:

• trail mix, nuts and dried fruit,
• protein or granola bars,
• whole-grain crackers and nut butter,
• instant oatmeal for quick breakfasts,
• good coffee or tea.

Add a stress ball or a small puzzle for much-needed study breaks.

Game-day snacks

If your student is a sports fan, a game-day box with popcorn, pretzels, chips, salsa and some candy — plus a scarf or cap in their team’s colors — makes watching the big game with friends even better.

Gluten-free and other special diets

Students with celiac disease, allergies or other dietary needs often struggle to find suitable food on campus. A box with their safe favourites — gluten-free pasta, crackers, cookies, oatmeal and snacks — saves them a frustrating search. Check labels carefully, and include a note on which items are certified gluten-free or allergen-free.

Tips for sending food care packages

• Check the rules: some dorms limit cooking appliances, and campus mailrooms may not accept perishable food.
• Choose shelf-stable food and pack it well; avoid chocolate in hot weather.
• Time it well: the start of term, exam weeks and birthdays are perfect moments.
• Shipping abroad? Many countries restrict meat, dairy and fresh produce, so check customs rules first.
• Add a personal note — it’s often the part they keep the longest.

You may not be able to pack their lunches or cook them dinner anymore, but a thoughtful care package sends nutrition and love, and makes a trip to the mailbox something to look forward to. For more on keeping your college student healthy, read our health insurance guide.

What do you put in your student’s care package?

More guides

• Acne in Teenagers: Causes, Myths and What Helps
• How to Become Financially Responsible in College
• Smartphones for Students: How to Choose the Right Phone
• Laptops for Students: How to Choose the Right One