Saving On Back To School Lunches

_{With back-to-school time around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about ways to save. Packing your child’s lunch instead of buying it at school may be an impressive way to save money already, but wouldn’t it be great to save a little more?}

Saving On Back To School Lunches – 5 Money Saving Tips

Let’s be honest! I love my children, but the last thing I want to do at the end of or the start of my day is to make a highly intricate lunch for my kiddos.

I know that I may not be speaking to everyone and many love to take this extra time to make out-of-this-world lunches for their kids. More power to ya if that’s your jam. If it’s not, you’re not alone.

I’m looking for easy-to-make, reliable lunch ideas I can get done FAST on top, not costing us an arm & leg.

The truth of the matter…..

Although it may seem obvious to most, convenience is ALWAYS more expensive. As we prepare to get our kids ready to go back to school, snacks and school lunches can seem to be a chore. That is why more parents purchase pre-packaged items or send their kids off to school with extra cash.

Typically, anything that comes in pre-packaging is rarely a healthy choice. Filled with preservatives and many other additives to make the food tasty. Brands are getting better though and hunting down those healthy pre-packaged items often comes at a price.

Here’s what I do to save time, energy, and sanity while packing school lunches every day.

Spending less than 30 minutes over the weekend packaging your own food can be healthier for your family while saving you money.

Luckily, this doesn’t need to be a struggle, and with a little planning and preparation, your kids will be singing praises – and so will your wallet.

Buy And Plan Your Kids’ Lunches Ahead Of Time

When you are planning your weekly shopping lists, scope out sales on the items, you know your kids will eat & love. Just like meal planning for dinner each night.

I find it easiest to scope out the sale on Sunday and jot down those sale items and stock up on those items that are at their lowest price point. It is also a smart idea to get the kids involved. Pull out a piece of paper and have them jot down some of their favorite items that they love to have in their lunch boxes.

You have also had them look through your store’s ad flyer to see what items are on sale. It’s certainly not rocket science, but it helps us figure things out, find fun ideas, and give the kids choices.

Get Creative

Don’t stress about it being a “perfect” lunch. It’s okay if every single meal isn’t “perfect.” Your kids are getting nutritious packed meals on a weekly basis.

Considering this convenience hack might help prevent you from being stuck in a rut. First, don’t buy the variety packs or single-sized items.

Instead, purchase the larger family-sized bags and package them into single servings yourself. Even better, go ahead and prepare a week or two worth in advance in ziplock baggies. Or Use fun reusable containers that your kids will enjoy eating from.

The convenience packs will always be pricier than their bulk counterparts. Yes, it may take you a few extra steps, but in the long run, it will save you money. And there are so many fun ways to fill these reusable containers. You can just hop on over to Pinterest and find a bunch.

Fresh is Best

Don’t buy pre-cut veggies & fruit. You can spend up to 50% more just by buying them. Instead, purchase uncut versions and prepare yourself. Just take a few extra minutes to cut or slice your vegetable.

Who doesn’t love to save more on groceries? Plus, always buy produce in season. It is dramatically cheaper.

Think Outside the Box

While it may not work for some, reusing a BPA-free bottle and filling it with your choice of drink, instead of purchasing juice boxes, can save you a significant amount of money.

It also may present to be an issue if you need to refrigerate.

Fill Your Freezer

There are plenty of perishable items out there that freeze great and work well in a lunchbox. You can freeze bread, lunch meat, potato chips, cheese, and several kinds of fruit among other things.

So, if you find a great deal, stock up and fill your freezer. Also, batch cooking is an enormous help and a convenience. We like to make ahead these breakfast burritos or these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars – Gluten Free.

Combining these tips with the deals found at your grocery store can help eliminate the stress and panic often experienced in the morning of a school day. Let’s cut back on your spending and leave more time for all the other activities brought on by a busy school year.