How to Send Halloween Candy

Sending candy gives those far away a taste of home.

Sending Halloween candy to loved ones far way gives them a taste of home. Many communities offer candy buy-back programs that purchase children's candy after trick-or-treating and send the sweets to troops in harm's way. The soldiers get a treat from home that they can share and children have the fun of trick-or-treating without risking obesity and cavities. There are several things to keep in mind when sending candy. Chocolate can melt in warm climates, so it's wise to ship the candy in a Styrofoam container to protect the candy from heat.

Things You'll Need

• Candy
• Quart-size plastic zipper bags
• Novelty Halloween bags (optional)
• Small Styrofoam cooler
• Tape
• Brown mailing paper
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Sort the candy into types. Pack the candy by type, in the quart-sized zipper bags or novelty Halloween bags. If chocolate does melt, it will be limited to a single bag, not the entire package.

2. Pack the bags into a small Styrofoam cooler. This will further protect the chocolate and any other candy that can melt. Seal the cooler with tape.

3. Wrap the cooler in brown mailing paper. Tape down any edges.

4. Write the address on the outside of the package. Label the package "perishable."

5. Mail the package overnight express. Alert the shipper that the package contains food.

Tips & Warnings

• It might be fun to pack your candy bags in a plastic pumpkin or other seasonal display.

References

• Food Safety and Inspection Service: Mail Order Food Safety
• On the Go Chicago: Remove Temptation and Send Your Leftover Halloween Candy to the Troops