Cheap and Cool School Lunches Under 2.50!!

I always hear parents say their kids are bored with their hot lunch/cold lunch meals. School menus are recycled in some system of a 4 or 6 week rotation. So here are some ideas to keep your little ones mind and body fed during school hours. I can't emphasize how IMPORTANT it is to feed your kids as nutritionally as possible. Make sure you supply your child with milk because Milk is essential for brain and bone development. With that being said each of these meals will cost around or less than 2.00 each if you figure in a 50 cent milk bought from cafeteria. Remember kids portions are SMALLER than adults. If anything bulk up on fruits and veggies!! Treats are also ok in moderation as well! A Zinger a day or a Hostess cookie will not harm a child as long as you don't allow them to eat the whole box in 1 sitting! Its all in moderation! 

1. Turkey, Bacon Ranch Roll Ups and Frozen Yogurt

Take 1 Flour tortilla laid flat, smear some ranch on and the place turkey, some shredded cheese, lettuce and a slice of bacon on also. Roll up like a little burrito.

Frozen Yogurt cup is so easy and yummy! Take your kids favorite yogurt cup or tube and place in freezer. Place in lunch bag before school. Keeps it cold and make yogurt fun at school!


2.Chicken Salad Sandwich with Fresh Peach Slices

Mix together some chopped fine chicken breast with celery diced, pickles diced and onion diced(optional). Then add in some mayo, some Dijon mustard, black pepper sprinkle and dried basil. Mix well and place on Natures Pride/WonderBread and or Sweetheart/Standish Farms wheat bread and top with lettuce and tomato. Pack and go with some fresh peaches.

3. Turkey/Cheese or Ham/Cheese roll ups with Fresh Veggies/Ranch and Fresh Grapes

Take some turkey and ham and place sliced cheese in middle and roll up/ Serve with some crackers. Then also baggie up some veggies and fresh grapes for a healthy , filling meal!

4. Chef Salad with some Wheat Crackers and a Banana

In a Rubbermaid bowl add in some salad mix then in separate baggies add cheese and meat in one, some sunflower seeds in another so when kids are at school they can just dump the ingredients in a bowl and dress with a small side cup of ranch or dressing of choice. Then round it off with some whole wheat crackers and a small banana. Fun, delish and very inexpensive!

Rubbermaid makes bowl in every size including little 1-2 ounce cups for dressings etc.

5. Pita Pocket Sandwich with Apples and Peanut Butter to Dip

Take a pita pocket and open it up. Stuff with sandwich filling of choice, ham, chicken, turkey etc, then place cheese, lettuce and tomatoes if child likes along with any condiment. Then cut apples up and soak in orange juice to prevent browning. Drain juice off place in baggie along with a peanut butter cup. Simple delish and fun!

6. Cold Pizza and Veggie Sticks with Ranch

I give my kids leftover pizza from delivery or frozen. It is a huge treat here! Then pair with veggies and ranch and you have a very inexpensive and healthy meal.

7. Ham Salad With Watermelon Cubes

Chop ham finely add in some mayo and shredded cheese and chopped pickles if kids like. Spread on Natures Pride Bread/Wonder Bread/ or Sweetheart Whole Wheat Bread. Serve with a side baggie of watermelon cubes.

8. Deviled Eggs with Whole Wheat Crackers, Orange Wedges and Frozen Yogurt Tube or Cup

Make up some deviled eggs and serve with whole wheat crackers and Orange Wedges. Simple, healthy and always a crowd pleaser, don't forget to freeze your yogurt the night before.

9. Italian Pasta Salad, Frozen Yogurt and Grapes

Mix already cooked and cooled pasta with some green and black olives, tomatoes diced, chopped mozzarella pieces, blanched asparagus pieces, broccoli and red onion diced. Then add in some Olive Garden Italian dressing or favorite Italian dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Let sit over night and dish out!

10. Sub Sandwich and Pineapple Bites

Split open a small hoagie Roll and layer in ham, turkey, salami and roast beef. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Then lightly spread some Italian dressing on in the inside of the roll so it absorbs the flavor. Place in baggie along with a baggie or bowl of pineapple tidbits or chunks. Yummy!