There are several steps you can follow to make the lunch packing process simple, budget friendly, and FUN! A packed lunch needn’t be boring, soggy, or bland.
Take a peek at these simple tips, and soon you will be packing a lunch that your child will be in no hurry to trade!
Avoid Buying Disposable Storage Items
You’re throwing money away when you purchase and use plastic baggies and paper lunch sacks. Save that hard-earned cash; invest in some reusable plastic storage containers in a variety of sizes. Or, think soft cloth reusable sandwich and snack bags. Find them at itzyritzy and etsy. These machine washable, zipper top bags are durable, easy and ideal. Bonus: You’re saving money and the earth at the same time!
Make Your Own Individual Servings
Think again when you go to buy a 6-pack of applesauce or a 12-pack of snack size chips. You’re paying more for the packaging than for the food. Instead, purchase a bulk size and divide it into reusable containers. Yes, this takes a few minutes, but the savings add up fast. A 6-pack of fruit cups can costs $2.50 or more and only last 5 lunches. One large can of fruit costs $1.25 and can easily make twice as many lunches. Talk about value!
Tip: Purchase the Glad Twist and Lock size small containers (approx. $3.50 for 3), as well as the Glad 4 oz. Round Containers (approx. $3.50 for 8 size small).
Get Creative!
Lunches need not be peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day. Think outside the box! Here are some fun alternatives:
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Banana Hot Dog! Take a whole wheat hot dog bun and lightly spread cream cheese, or peanut butter and jam inside. Then pack a banana in your child’s lunch (with the peel on). At school they can peel the banana and combine. You could also pack a small reusable container of items to garnish it with, like coconut or raisins.
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Ants on a Log: fresh celery stick topped with peanut butter and raisins.
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Walking Tacos: A thermos of warmed seasoned ground beef (dinner leftovers!), some separate chopped tomato, lettuce, and shredded cheese. Include a bag of corn chips, and your child can combine all of the ingredients into the bag to create a walking taco.
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Salads with dressing on the side.
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Last night’s leftover chicken chopped into chicken salad.
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A thermos full of warm soup or pasta are all great lunch choices that will keep your child full and stretch your grocery budget by using dinner leftovers.
Tip: The best way to keep food hot in a thermos is to preheat the thermos. Fill your thermos at least half way full with boiling hot water, cap and let sit 3-5 minutes. Heat your food up until it’s hot. Dump the hot water out of the thermos and put the hot food into the hot thermos.
Fuel with Protein, Not Sugar
Kids need protein to maintain energy during the day. By utilizing chicken, peanut butter, or adding a hard-boiled egg to a salad, you’re giving your child the boost they need to get through the day. Before you toss highly processed and expensive snacks into your child’s lunch, think again and try one of these ideas instead:
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Sliced cheeses, fresh low fat meats, grapes, and whole wheat crackers can all be packed for kids to create their own homemade “Lunchable.”
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Pack a whole wheat pita, some pizza sauce, shredded cheese and turkey pepperoni for them to create their own low fat, high protein pizza pocket.
Plan Ahead
As with any family meal, planning ahead and keeping lunch items stocked saves time and money. Do this by shopping sales and using coupons.
Take an hour each week prepping items such as hard boiled eggs, chicken or tuna salads, chopping fruit, veggies, and cheeses. For a sweet treat, mix up brownies or muffins and bake them in a miniature muffin pan! In no time, you’ll have a few dozen mini treats that only cost a couple of dollars! A little planning allows you to easily grab and go when it comes time to pack those lunches.
Give Your Lunches Some Personality
Why not slip a sweet note, fun picture, riddle or joke in with your child’s lunch? It will make them smile and let them know of your love! Another perk: It doesn’t cost a dime!
Don’t forget, these tips work just as well for hungry adults too! Extend the savings by packing your own lunch. No rushing out during lunch hour, no waiting in line, no fuss. Just find a quiet place to relax and dine! You will be glad you did, and so will your budget. Bon appétit!
