ABC's of Back to School: Healthy lunches on a budget

1. Banana hot dog (bun with fiber, 2 tbsp peanut butter, banana, low sugar jelly) pop top can of fruit in juice (store brand) kashi bar

2. Whole Wheat Mac 'n cheese w hot dog (nitrate free - read labels!) organic applesauce chocolate low fat milk (aseptically packaged for food safety)

3. Turkey and Mozzarella sandwich on whole wheat bread w spinach or lettuce a whole kiwi fruit 2 sticks of dark chocolate These 2 options are under $6 per meal (even more economical if you buy the kits on sale)

4. Caesar salad kit (or Mediterranean salad kit) salmon pouch string cheese

5. 4 c Spinach salad with almonds and balsamic dressing low sodium v-8 can banana

Time and cost savings tips:

• Shop to a list - use the ads to buy ahead pantry and freezer items
• Shelf stable is also food safe as a bonus to shopping sales for these items
• Have the kids help
• Hit all food groups
• Choose huge nutrients for the dollar spent:
  • Beans
  • Whole grain breads, pastas, crackers
  • Canned and 100% fruit juice/dried forms as appropriate
  • Buy in bulk and make your own snack packs
• Splurge (or stock up) on healthful shelf stable items:
  • Aseptically packaged low fat chocolate milk
  • Individual packets of dressing
  • Individual fun size bags of treat foods to teach how all foods can fit

Equipment check:

• Transporting in earth friendly re-usable containers is a cost saver along with an earth saver!
• Ice packs or thermal/ice pack lunch bags
• Age appropriate and school appropriate utensils
• Thermos
• Salad & dressing containers

You should eat appropriate portions to keep cost per meal contained.

For more information visit www.jewelosco.com.