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Frugal School Lunches

School lunches cost more each year. Schools offer plenty of options but not all of them are healthy. Making your child’s school lunch is an economical, and healthier, alternative.

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.

First, ask your children about their favorite lunchtime meals. If you send foods that your children enjoy, you are more likely to elicit their cooperation when it’s time to help pack – and eat – the lunches.

If your child likes foods that need refrigeration, be sure to purchase an ice pack for their lunch and an insulated lunch bag. Seal the ice pack in a plastic bag before putting it in the freezer. The plastic bag keeps this fluid from touching your child’s food.

Most school cafeterias have microwave ovens available for student use. Dinner leftovers make excellent lunch fare. Invest in microwave-safe bowls to store your child’s lunch.

Fresh fruit offers a sugar boost that is better than a candy bar. Include a cup of fresh strawberries, apples, oranges, or whatever fruit is in season. If they need more sweetness, add a cup of yogurt to use as a fruit dip. One fun option is to freeze the fruit the night before and put it into the lunch bag still frozen. That way, your child will enjoy “slushie” fruit for lunch.

Kids won’t eat anything that requires too much work. Cut their peanut butter and jelly sandwich into bite-sized pieces for easier handling. If your kids are older and health-conscious, serve a turkey and veggie delight in pita bread. Soft chicken tacos or ham roll-ups are delicious also.

If your kids don’t want the traditional milk at lunch, they may make a trip to the soda machine. To avoid this, invest in bottles of fruit juices. Make sure that the juices are 100% juice and not mostly sugar. Another alternative is water bottles and flavored drink packets. Crystal Light and Kool-Aid brands offer drink mix packets that are perfect for a bottle of water.

Save money on utensils and napkins. Buying plastic forks and napkins seems like a good idea but kids throw them away after each meal. Let your kids use the utensils and paper products provided by the school.

School lunches can be delicious, nutritious, and more affordable if they are made at home. Provide your children’s favorites without the preservatives and added fat.