As the familiar hum of back-to-school buzz fills the air, it ushers in the need to think about school lunches. Some children find their meals at the school cafeteria, others carry packed lunches lovingly composed at home. When it comes to these home-packed lunches, there's a universal staple found across American lunchboxes: the humble sandwich. But a sandwich is only as good as it tastes at lunchtime - not when it's packed.

Ensuring your child's lunchtime sandwich is appetizing rather than soggy can be mastered with a few easy steps. Let’s delve into the secret, the art of packing a lunchbox sandwich that's as tempting when the lunch bell rings as when it's freshly made.

The best sandwich is a well-built sandwich. Think of it like an architect would a house. Good sandwiches start with great 'foundations', and a flavorful, layered sandwich needs..well, layers. Here's how to achieve that:

First, choose your 'foundation' wisely. Ensure you start with good quality bread. Lightly toasting the bread can make all the difference to maintain the crisp texture we all love.

Swap the usual routine of spreading condiments directly onto the bread. Instead, pop them into small, separate containers. This allows the sandwich to be freshly garnished at lunchtime, saving it from an early, soggy demise.

Consider the 'barrier strategy'. Place a layer of lettuce, greens or cheese between the bread and the other fillings. This can prevent moisture from making the bread soggy.

Wetter components of your sandwich, like pickles or tomatoes, are best placed in the middle of the sandwich to prevent moisture seeping through to the bread.

When it comes to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, lining both slices of bread with peanut butter creates a barrier to prevent it from going soggy.

The choice of how we pack the sandwich is equally important. Opt for hard containers rather than a bag. This ensures the sandwich maintains its shape and isn't squashed.

Swap cling wrap for wax paper. Not only is it more sustainable and washable, but it also comes in vibrant colors and exciting patterns that can add a delightful surprise to your child's lunchtime.

Pair the star-of-the-show sandwich with some tasty sides. Plan and portion these sides in advance for a breeze of a morning. Creating grab-and-go stations in the fridge or pantry for fruits, vegetables, yogurt and chips can make lunch packing fun and easy for kids.

If apple slices form part of the lunch ensemble, remember to treat them with a saltwater solution to retain their fresh, appealing color.

Put these tips into practice to turn lunchtime into a much-anticipated break in the school day. Armed with these strategies, no child will have to be faced with soggy sandwiches again. Levels of sandwich satisfaction are sure to skyrocket, all thanks to a few practical, easy-to-follow tips.