Saving on School Lunches

The average school lunch costs in America costs only $1.80 -- a challenge for today’s mom to beat in both price and convenience.  However, a little organization is all you’ll need to send your kids to school with nutritious lunches while saving money at the same time.  By using some of these ideas you can get the average price per lunch under $.75 which means with more than one child in school, you could save hundreds each year.

Divvy it Up
Pre-packaged items can take a big bite out of your budget.  Instead, buy a box of 100-count sandwich bags and divide big bags of pretzels, popcorn, chips or other snacks into individual sized portions yourself – or better yet: have the kids do it.  Separate individually sized servings of applesauce, pudding, carrot sticks, or other healthy foods your child will eat into reusable containers.  Taking just a few minutes at the start of each week on a regular basis can add up to big savings over the course of the year.


Consider the Packaging
Today’s toss-away containers can be expensive – not to mention bad for the environment.  Use reusable containers and utensils instead: from cloth napkins to “real” forks and spoons right down to the lunchbox itself, which will pay for itself over time over brown paper sacks.  You don’t have to purchase special containers: leftover yogurt containers with lids and margarine tubs serve the purpose well.  Don’t forget to invest in a good thermos, too.  It’s not just for milk: use it to keep soups, pasta dishes or last nights’ leftovers warm.  Keep drinks cold by freezing a small portion overnight.  Fill your container with the remaining portion in the morning.

You don’t have to pay full price for your child’s lunchbox, either.  Choose an insulated box or bag to help keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.  Great deals can be found if you wait until late September to buy -- when back to school gear hits the clearance rack.  Or, buy a used one at a thrift store and garage sale.  Don’t worry about the artwork; take it off with fingernail polish remover and use stickers to embellish it with your child’s favorite characters.

Shopping Strategies
Knowing how to get the best grocery bargains is the key to your success. Shop loss leaders for deals on cheeses and sandwich meats.  Buying fresh fruits and veggies in season can also help keep costs down while providing nutritious meals.  Keep track of average prices with a price book so you know only to buy when prices hit rock bottom.  Combine in-store sales with a coupon to save even more. 

Sometimes the best food deals aren’t at the grocery store at all.  Dollar Stores stock name-brand snack foods and juices on a regular basis.  Bakery Outlets such as Taystee and Hostess have great deals of breads, but also have great deals on snacks and desserts too.  Shop on their “bargain” days to save even more.  To locate an outlet near you, visit: http://www.bakeryoutlets.com.

Sandwich Savvy
Chicken, tuna and egg salad sandwiches are more economical than sandwich meats.  An insulated bag with a freezer pack will keep them cold until lunchtime.  Make your own freezer pack by freezing a juice box or reusable drink container with ice water.

Are your kids getting tired of PB&J day after day?  Make lunch fun again by using cookie cutters to create fun sandwich shapes.   You can also experiment with different breads such as pita pockets and bakery rolls.  Tortillas are great for wrap sandwiches and making tortilla pinwheels with meat and cheese as well.   Throw in condiment packets leftover from fast food trips.

The Last Word Before you brown bag it, consider the cost. School lunches are actually a pretty good value – and you can’t beat them for convenience.  Your kids get a nutritious, hot meal – and you save the work of packing it.  Additionally, most public schools also offer free or reduced prices to families that qualify.   

Don’t pack more than your child can eat.  If he’s tossing a big portion away because he’s too full or doesn’t like it; you’re throwing your money away.  Involve your children in the selection and preparation process as much as you can to ensure that food ends up in their stomachs -- and not the trash can.

About the Author: Kimberly Danger is the owner/publisher of Mommysavers.com, and online resource for parents interested in saving time and money.  She is the author of 1000 Best Baby Bargains Ms. Danger lives in Southern Minnesota with her husband and two kids.