So,I'm flying back to NJ in October,and a coworker from Brooklyn and I would like to be able to stock up on some NJ/NY food...things like calzone, sausage rolls,etc..all the things that apparently can not be duplicated out here in the NW part of the country!

Her friend once froze some stuff and Fed Ex'd it. We were hoping to fly it back when I come home.I was going to freeze it first so I don't stink up the plane and so I don't have to worry about the whole food safety factor,as she said the food sent overnight was still very solid upon delivery.

Has anyone ever flown with food like this? Check in a foam cooler? Carry on?

Thanks!

I've done a similar trick before. Make sure food items are solidly frozen (24hr in freezer), wrap it in plastic bag (like zip-lock), bring some ice packs if you're worried. I won't consider checking in the luggage with the goodies, JUST IN CASE they misplace the luggage.

I haven't done it but lots of people pack a regular cooler with frozen food & check it. I wouldn't check a foam cooler since they aren't very strong & you know how stuff gets thrown around in baggage holds.

If you check a cooler, bring duct tape to secure it after it is inspected.

Checking in is safe. Once I had 2 cans, froze them at home, they came with me in a checked luggage COLD!! It's freezing up there!

I have done the freeze it and carry with you thing for some, shall we say "redolent" foods and it worked fine. Key is to be sure it is really frozen solid, not just chilled, and seal inside zip lock type bags (maybe two of them). Some things degrade in quality if they go through a freeze / thaw / refreeze cycle, so adding one of those blue gel type frozen blocks may be a good idea.
I have not tried checking through an ice chest/cooler but have seen it done - you might see what the airline says about doing this. If you are on a direct flight the chances are lower of your trove being mislaid and thawing in the luggage office at some airport.