07.21.2025 By Thomas Gremillion, Amy Miller, AFC®

Back-to-School, Back to Savings: Lunch Tips for Busy Families

Back-to-school season isn’t just about notebooks and new routines—it’s also a great time to revisit your food budget and make some choices that help you save more and stress less when it comes to school lunches.

Back-to-school season isn’t just about notebooks and new routines—it’s also a great time to revisit your food budget and make some choices that help you save more and stress less when it comes to school lunches.

We asked our in-house food expert, Thomas Gremillion, at the Consumer Federation of America to share a few simple, budget-friendly tips to help you feed your kids well without breaking the bank. Whether you’re team packed lunch, school cafeteria, or somewhere in between, these tips are for you!

 

  1. Do the Math: Packed vs. School Lunch

Before you commit to a lunch routine, take a few minutes to compare the cost of packing lunch versus buying school lunch. Some schools offer nutritious, affordable meals—others rely more heavily on ultra-processed options that may not work for your family’s preferences or budget.

Either way, being intentional about your choice—If you decide to go with school lunch, watch out for hidden fees. Many schools use third-party payment systems that have been sued for charging “junk fees” on school meal payments (read more here). If you encounter unreasonable fees when attempting to pay your school lunch bill, contact your school administrator about alternative payment options.

  1. Get Your Kids Involved

Kids are more likely to eat what they help pick out and pack. Have them weigh in on foods they like (bonus points for healthy options), and aim to include a bit of variety so they don’t get bored. If something keeps coming home uneaten, ask why. It might be a taste thing—or maybe lunch just flies by and they didn’t have time.

  1. Make a List (and Stick to It)

Ever walk into the grocery store for sandwich bread and walk out $40 later? You’re not alone. Grocery stores are designed to tempt you into impulsive buys—especially those pricey pre-packaged snacks and “convenient” lunch kits.

Instead, plan your meals, make a list, and stick to it. You’ll skip the distractions and keep your grocery budget under control.

  1. Skip the Pre-Packaged Stuff

Those ready-made lunch packs may save time, but they come with a higher price tag—and not-so-great nutrition. Preparing your own simple snack boxes with items like fruit, cheese cubes, crackers, or leftovers can save serious cash and give you more control over ingredients. Bonus: reusable containers help cut down on waste, too.

  1. Invest in Good Containers (They Can Save You More Than You Think)

While we’re not big on telling you to buy something to save money, investing in quality, reusable food storage containers can actually help stretch your lunch budget. Look for BPA-free plastics, stainless steel, or even glass options—especially for foods that may be reheated.

  1. Keep It Safe

Saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners on food safety. Make sure lunches stay fresh by keeping cold foods cold (think reusable ice packs and insulated lunch bags) and hot foods hot (by using an insulated thermos and sealing it right after filling).

Bottom line? A little planning goes a long way. With some prep and creativity, you can keep your kids fueled for the school day and keep your spending in check.

Want more simple, creative savings tips?
Check out our popular blog: 54 Ways to Save

Share Your Saver Story!
Have you found creative ways to save on school lunches or groceries this back-to-school season? We’d love to hear how you’re making smart money moves for your family!

Submit your Saver Story on our website—and if we feature it in an upcoming America Saves Spotlight, you’ll receive a $50 gift card as a thank-you!

 

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