School lunches cost more each year. Schools offer plenty of options
but not all of them are healthy. But even parents that qualify for
state free lunch programs are finding that there are still costs
involved when their children are served up unhealthy foods. Making your
child’s school lunch is an economical, and healthier, alternative.
Luckily is not a hard task either.
Kids like school lunches because they are provided with a variety of
choices. Homemade lunches can offer the same varieties but with a
smaller price tag. I am very proud of the fact that my son prefers the
lunches I make and so do his fellow students and his teachers! A bit of
time planning, shopping for the best deals, and a little prep time is
all it takes.
1. Think REUSABLE, not DISPOSABLE!!!
I did a cost comparison of a few popular lunch box items…prepacked
vs. make and pack yourself. And “REUSABLE” saves…not only waste, but
money as well!
- Carrots: 1 lb. bag of baby carrots $1.77 vs. 1 lb. bag of whole
carrots $.67 - Take 3 minutes to peel and cut yourself. $1 a week =
$36 savings on the year!
- Raisins: Large 15 oz. box of raisins $2.49 vs. 7 oz. of smaller
mini boxes $1.99 - Divide out raisins into small containers instead of
sending the little boxes. $1 a week = $36
- Jello (sugar-free): $.72 for make your own jello vs. $1.89 for
jello cups - Make a large bowl and then divide it out into
smaller containers.
- Cheese Cubes: 16 oz. cheese block $2.99 vs. 7 oz. prepacked cut
cheese $2.50 - Per ounce, you could save $2 a week by buying a large
block and cutting your own cheese cubes!
- This principle applies to all prepackaged “convenience” foods!
2. Spend 15-20 minutes on a Sunday night making jello, cutting
carrots and cheese cubes, and dividing up raisins. If you could save $2 PER LUNCHBOX PER DAY by doing a little legwork yourself each week, you could save over $350 PER LUNCHBOX this school year! If you pack more than 1 lunch, there is potential for saving LOTS of $$$!
3. Give your kids a choice about what they want in their lunch.
Offer grapes, raisins or blueberries. Don’t say “What do you want?”
Because they’ll likely ask for a sugar laden snack!
4. Wrap your small blue ice pack in a small kitchen towel to keep the “thawing condensation” from making a mess in the lunchbox.
5. Keep sugar content LOW. Bake your own muffins vs. sending a “high fructose corn syrup” snack. Your teacher will thank you!
6. Of course, use coupons and watch sales.
7. And don’t forget a sweet note of adoration every few days!
Visit LunchinaBox.net and LaptopLunches.com for more great ideas!
Source: Five Dollar Dinners
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