Logistics Help

I could use a little help with logistics, folks. I've just started my first semester of grad school. I'm still working full time but will also be working ten hours a week as a TA.  I have to leave the house in the morning most days and may not be back until midnight or later, which means I have to lug at least two meals and assorted snacks around with me for the majority of the day, three if I leave before breakfast. There's also a fifteen to twenty minute walk from the parking area to my building once I'm on campus -- at least I get my exercise!

I found some canisters that have the freezer gell in the lids, but they only stay cold for a few hours. I can use them to preserve lunch, but not dinner. I don't really feel comfortable leaving food sitting in my car in ninety-plus degree weather, anyway.

So, any ideas for clean meals that travel well? So far, most fresh fruits end up as puree at the bottom of my satchel, so I'm having to tote them in hard containers. I'd rather not have to lug the entire kitchen up and down the hills in a backpack if I can avoid it. I did buy a few pre-packaged but decent items that I can keep in my office on-campus to keep me away from the vending machines, but I'd really prefer to eat as much real, clean food as possible.

Grain + cooked veggies + cooked protein? Couscous/Rice/Quinoa with veggies and beans/chicken?

The spoilage issue is really my main obstacle. Beans or meat have a good chance of going bad during the day without refrigeration and I just don't have access to it. Additionally, I leave the house around 8 am and don't get back until after midnight most days, so any cooking can only be done on the weekends.

Hi pschristmas,

I wanted to mention, that canned black beans, pinto beans can be carried, opened, rinsed under hot water, and consumed.  The black beans are good added on top of a salad, or eaten plain; gives you energy too.