A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.