School lunch: pack it, buy it, or get help

School lunches add up over 180 school days. Whether packing or buying is cheaper depends on your school and your kids.

Compare

• Look up your school's lunch price and multiply by days per week
• Price a week of packed lunches from your usual groceries
• Include snacks and drinks either way

Packing tips

• Pack from dinner leftovers
• Buy yogurt, crackers and fruit in larger sizes and portion them out
• Use reusable containers instead of single-serve packs
• Let kids choose from a set of options so lunches get eaten

Free and reduced-price meals

Many families qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, and some schools serve free meals to every student. Ask your school or district for the application. Households getting SNAP are often approved automatically.

General educational information. Costs and rules vary by family, school and state. Family Nickel Saver isn't paid by any bank, plan or brand.