Back To School : Save More on Lunches and Afternoon Snacks

As the school year quickly approaches us, many parents are already dreading the cost of school lunches and the thought of having to find something to pack everyday.  I’ve prepared these Back To School Lunch and Snack Tips for you so you can decide what your child is eating everyday without you getting stuck in the PB&J rut! 

There are many ways to keep your child interested in what you’re packing as well as providing them a healthy choice for less!   Here are some money saving tips to help you prepare for back to school without breaking the bank. 

{Save on the Packaging}

• Hit the Back To School Sales to purchase a lunch box or tote.
• Use reusable containers and don’t buy plastic baggies. You’ll be helping the environment, too!  With so many choices you can get these in all shapes and sizes and you probably already have some around the house!
• Freeze a bottle of water the night before and it will keep the tote cold until lunchtime.  It’s a functional homemade at home ice pack.
• Label Everything!  We want to make sure all the precautions we’ve taken to save money will make it back home everyday.

{Get Prepared for Packing}

• Do not purchase anything that’s individually wrapped.  Make your own “individual portions or servings” from a regular size package.
• Purchase blocked cheeses to create your own cubes, sticks and slices.
• Use your freezer!  There are many items (fresh vegetables, breads, and more) that you can clean and prep in advance making it ready to use after thawing.
• Buy the large containers and split them into many meals. (32oz. Yogurt for example)
• Purchase produce that is “in” season.
• And lastly, pair grocery store sales with coupons to save more when shopping!

{The Lunchbox Edition}

• Don’t forget the leftovers!  Spice things up so they are in a new light.
  • Transform the meal’s staple ingredient into a new dish.
    • Grilled Chicken Breast : Chop and make chicken salad
    • Turkey Breast: Add veggies and make a wrap
    • Pork or Roasted Beef : Pair it with bun and sauce on the side.
    • Rice and Stir-Fry Veggies: Mix and add sauce to make a burrito
    • Make kabobs out of last night’s meal to make it more interesting
• If your kids can’t get enough of last night’s meal, heat it up and put it in a Thermos so it will still be a warm at lunch time.
• Make your own Lunchables
  • Use wheat bagels or muffins to as pizza crust.  Pack a small container of sauce, cheese and toppings for your child to make their own meal at school.
  • Slice meat and cheese, pack crackers and a fruit / vegetable in a divided container.
• Don’t pack too much food for your kids.  You should know how much they typically eat and what the suggested portion sizes are.  Wasting food a huge bust in your budget! 

{For Afternoon Munchies}

• Make kabobs with seasonal fruits and vegetables
  • Prepare fruit and vegetables the night before (to save time and help avoid munching during prep time)
• Freeze Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
  • Make your typical sandwich and then remove crust.  You can freeze them to make your own filled sandwiches as a treat.  Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes and just pinch the edges shut.
• Use one day a month to bake snacks and goodies.
  • You can freeze a lot of baked goods and stock them for later use. Take one day a month to make your kids favorite treats as this will help you save time also!
• Make your own dips for crackers or fruit
  • Hummus Dip : Garbanzo Beans, garlic, olive oil, salt
  • Yogurt Dip :  Combine low fat yogurt, coconut milk, lemon juice (jam, honey, cinnamon, etc. to your liking)
  • Dill / Ranch Dips: Sour cream & dill spices

Having your children help prepare the menu for meals (dinners and lunches) will make them more interested in the foods that they are being provided to take to school.   Not only does it give you time to lay out a meal plan for your family, but you’ll be providing your kids with healthy and balanced options during the day.

 By implementing some of the tips that I’ve provided you here – you’ll be able to stay well within your monthly food budget!  You’ll be able to see the savings add up week after week throughout the year.

What other things do you do to save on lunch and snacks when preparing for back to school?