Packed school lunches now average $6.33, tips to keep meals healthy and affordable

Deloitte reports that the average price of a homemade school lunch has risen to $6.33, marking a 2% increase from the prior year. A straightforward meal—peanut butter and jelly sandwich, baby carrots, an apple, cookies and milk—costs roughly $4.89, whereas more elaborate options such as a chicken quesadilla with mango and juice can top $7. Nutrition expert Lindsay Malone of Case Western Reserve University says that many pre-packaged “healthy” snacks are no better than candy, urging shoppers to read labels and choose items like oats, dark chocolate chips and a drizzle of honey for homemade bars.

She also recommends using compartmentalized containers and involving children in selecting foods. Parents, including Emily Olson, report that bulk purchases, homemade preparations, and freezing extra portions help lower expenses without sacrificing nutrition. The article concludes that leveraging leftovers, buying in bulk and crafting homemade snacks are key strategies to keep school lunches both affordable and wholesome.