$2.40. Yup, that’s how much it costs for a school lunch these days, at least in our district. I don’t know about you, but that’s a bit much for me when you multiply it times twenty. That’s how many school days are in an average month and that adds up to $48 a month. For lunch! I like to send lunch with my child at least half the time. It’s not only cheaper, but you can’t put a price on the nutrition and love that go into lunches packed at home. I’m not talking crackers and salami slices here. Fourteen days of peanut butter and jelly would drive any kid to beg for the school cafeteria, too. You might wish to be a little more creative to convince the little ones, and especially older kids, that it’s actually pretty cool to brown bag it.  It’s well worth it when your child asks for that special chicken salad you mix up. You’ll need some basic supplies like an insulated lunch box, containers for sandwiches, salads or snacks, paper napkins and plastic spoons and forks. I like to have a couple of small ice packs on hand in the freezer for those days I’m sending something I’d like to stay cool, like that chicken salad. A small soup thermos is a good thing to have, too. My child loves for me to pack soup during the winter months. It all takes a few extra minutes in the morning, but with a little planning, you can do it. You might be surprised at how much your child comes to enjoy those made at home lunches. 

To help you come up with ideas, the library has some great books on healthy and fun lunch box lunches. Start with some of these ideas and then put together a few of your own. If you’d like, share them with us!