Healthy, Frugal School Lunch Ideas

Now that school is back in session, the issue of lunch is likely to arise. Kids want money for hot school lunches, which can be expensive and less healthy - is ketchup a vegetable? And then you worry that they're spending the cash at the infamous snack bar. You know that a meal you pack yourself is more cost efficient and nourishing. But you also know that means nothing if your child won't eat it! Here are some ideas that are sure to please both you and your kids.

Get the Gear
Having the right equipment is crucial. For younger kids, plastic lunch boxes go over well. Save money by finding one in a color they like; spruce it up with stickers or pictures cut from magazines covered in clear contact paper. Tweens and teens will likely balk at a box, so look for a soft-sided insulated bag they can easily tuck in their backpack or locker. Keep your eye out at yard sales and thrift stores for small containers and thermoses in different shapes and sizes. And to keep food fresh, purchase freezable ice packs - better buy two in case one gets lost (a Ziploc full of ice works in a pinch)!

The Fixin's
Keep your kids from getting bored by providing a variety of lunches. Hit your local bakery outlet for a variety of breads: think breads, tortillas and various rolls. If you have room, keep them in the freezer and only take out what you need each day. Stock up on favorites like PB&J or ham and cheese, but think about other foods they love. Reproduce a sub shop favorite by layering a roll with their favorite meat, cheese, and lots of veggies. Spread a tortilla with peanut butter, honey, and thin slices of banana for a tasty roll-up.

Got thermoses?
Of course these insulated jugs are great for beverages, but they also work great for a leftover do-over. Pack meatballs and sauce from last night's spaghetti in a thermos; include a French roll and a slice of provolone for a meatball sandwich your older kid will devour. Fill one with leftover mac and cheese combined with a (heated) sliced hotdog. A thermos full of warm, roasted chicken chunks is perfect to top your teen's salad. Or load one with warmed, seasoned beef or chicken; include tortillas and a container with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and such for soft tacos.

Sides and Sweets
Younger kids love to dip. Accompany a baggie of sliced veggies, fruit or pretzels with a small container of dressing, yogurt or peanut butter. And bite size is big. But rather than spending a lot of dough on brand name pre-made goodies, bake up a batch of brownies, bars, or bread (zucchini or pumpkin are great ways to sneak in veggies) and use a pizza cutter to slice them into bite-size bits. Use snack size baggies (they can often be found at the dollar store) so kids feel like they've got plenty. Another nutritious and cost efficient snack to pack is roasted nuts or seeds.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to provide your kids with healthy school lunches they'll actually enjoy. Simply pay attention to what they go for and come up with ways to make it at home. You'll save cash and, most important, they'll be happy and healthy. And that is priceless.