Mordechai Housman wrote:
> I'm going to be on the road for about 8 or 9 hours, with a stopover for
> a few hours,and then 8 or 9 hours back.
>
> We will be traveling there during the day, and returning at night.
>
> It will be my wife and I, and a nine-year-old boy.
>
> What would you suggest I pack for food for these three people?

A small cooler with fruit and bottled water is fine... perhaps a box of
graham crackers.

Eat moderately before you depart. Plan a one hour stop for lunch...
gotta stretch those legs.. and don't eat a heavy meal. Since you're
doing a quick turn around, only a couple three hours, then eat another
light meal after arriving at your destination.

You don't want to eat any heavy foods when driving all day and night or
you'll have a heck of a time staying alert enough to drive safely. And
stick to the big chain eateries and truck stops at the interstate rest
areas, they are much less prone to spreading food borne illnesses than
out of the way in-town stand alone joints... nothing ruins a trip more
than half way through you get the shits because you couldn't resist the
all you can eat chili dawg special at "Ramone's Tex Mex".

When I used to do long road trips (and I did lots) I mostly stopped to
eat at stupidmarkets... shop the aisles for whatever you like even if
it's only a package of rolls and a couple packs of sliced cheeze and
turkey off the rack. Or splurge at the deli counter... turkey, ham,
roast beef sandwiches (stay clear of salty salami/balogna type stuff),
a small salad, a couple pieces of fruit, a big wedge of watermelon is
good, and a cold soft drink. Find a park bench to eat and then walk
about for a while... an hour later you'll be all refreshed to continue.

Actually if you're not a very experienced long distance driver then the
kind of trip you're planning is extremely ill advised, I very strongly
suggest you stop for a night's rest at a Super 8 or some such before
driving home. And you're obviously not any kind of an experienced long
distance driver or you'd not be asking something so basic as what to
eat. Be safe rather than sorry, do not attempt it, especially not
with a 9 year old. You'd be taking a horrendous risk driving all night
right after driving all day... even professional 18 wheeler truckers
don't do 18 hour hauls with no sleep.

You're obviously trying to save the price of a motel room, you're nuts.

Sheldon