Frugal Family: School Lunch Ideas

 This week, Frugal family wants to suggest some lunch deals for your family.  

Right now, the price of a hot lunch for Sarasota Schools ranges from  $2 to $2.50 a day. That’s $10 to $12.50 a week. The alternative is to bring a lunch, here are some ideas all comparable or less than that price.

Beyond the sandwich. A lot of people love Subway. My daughter does but we simply cannot afford it for lunch everyday. So we decided to make our own Subway-style sandwiches. We bought the sub rolls, ham and cheese and oil vinegar mix all from Publix. Then we bought bags of assorted chips that were on sale 3 for $1 from Sweetbay Supermarkets. Total cost at the supermarket was $13. There were 6 hoagie rolls and enough for lunch for about 3 to 4 days. Estimated cost for if we ordered out a sub everyday is $18. And Subway is the least expensive sandwich take out sandwich I’ve found at $3.75 for a cold sub.

Mini carrots come in snack size packages packed in 3. Walmart has these at a very low price. Prices vary from $3 to $4 and the ranch dipping sauce can be put in a small Tupperware dish.

Apple dippers are sold in packages at Sweetbay and are usually three packages for $2. Or, if you can’t find repacked, you can buy your own selection of apples and the caramel sauce for under $3.50 and make your own.

Join in the recycling trend. Get a reusable bottle from the Dollar Store if you have to and already there’s a big shrink in cost. It’s a good habit to get your child into. Reserve the soda and candy for home. The majority of drinks that claim to be 100% juice contain more than 10 grams of sugar in just one pouch, most of the time in the form of corn syrup. Bottled water is a less expensive and healthier alternative to pack on those especially hot days.