WinCU Family & Friends Blog

Families, especially with multiple kids, can save real money packing school lunches…if you do it right. Groceries are expensive, so just packing lunches doesn’t mean you’ll save money.

However, with some careful planning, you can keep your grocery budget on track and feed your kids food they enjoy.  Here are five tips to save big on school lunches.

Skip the snack sized packaging and pre-made lunch kits. 
The prepackaged snacks such as crackers, cookies, chips, cheese and sliced meat are easy to grab and go, however you paying extra for that convenience.  Instead buy a partitioned reusable container or reusable snack bags and fill them up.  This way you can buy in bulk and save money.

Ditch the Bags.
Instead of buying box after box of the disposable zip lock bags, invest in some plastic reusable containers.  Not only is this a big money savor but it also helps prevent food from getting smashed.  This also goes for the lunch bags as well, have your kids pick out a fun, durable lunch bag for the year instead of using the disposable brown paper bags.

Skip Bottled or Boxed Drinks
Bottled drinks and juice boxes can end up costing a lot of money, even when bought in bulk.  Instead, pack a water bottle and fill with beverage of choice.  Or if you want to save even more money look into the powdered drink mixes, which cost pennies a serving and are much more budget friendly.

Buy on Sale and Freeze it.
When favorite lunch items go on sale go and stock up.  You can always freeze items such as yogurt tubes and cheese sticks, then just put them in the lunch box frozen and they will be thawed by the time lunch rolls around.

Get Creative with Lunch Ideas.
Instead of meat, why not try something like fruit, veggies with dip, cheese sandwiches some days.  Skipping the meat will save a few bucks and also lets your kids have different meal options.   You can also get fancy with leftovers.  Soup can also be a great meal on a tight budget and it can stay warm in a thermos.