Challenge: 40¢ Sack Lunches

[peacecat]

We qualify for reduced price meals. Breakfast is 30¢ and lunch 40¢. I think they can still get milk for 5¢ when they bring their own lunch.

Ds#1 is 16 and WAY too cool to bring a sack lunch. I think I can swing the $14 a month to maintain his reputation.

I also have a kindergardener an a 1st grader. They'd actually prefer to take lunch. Can I pack a lunch for less than 40¢? (Other than from my stockpile of free Peter Pan and 99¢/loaf bread)

I have to be at work before they get up for school about half the time. Keep in mind that it they have a good 30 min. bus ride to school. I'd prefer they had a hot breakfast before they go to class since they claim to be about starving by the time lunch rolls around. Since they can't eat on the bus, i'd like for them to have the option of having breakfast at school.

The lunches I'm coming up with are hitting the 40¢ mark or above. Of course they will eat a sack lunch better than a school lunch. So let's brainstorm ladies! Let's create some 40¢ school lunches!

[arasic]

I don't know how well it work for kids that young, but I always take leftovers from the night before to work/school, but I enjoy cold fried chicken lol

They have some pretty good ideas on Kraftfoods, I'm not sure they are all under .40, but I'm pretty sure a few would be after you did all the math, two kids, plus what you eat at home, etc., etc.

Good luck, and if I think of any I'll let you know

[SaraO]

Now days even an apple costs more than 40 cents!

[peacecat]

Now days even an apple costs more than 40 cents!

Crazy, huh?!

Leftover pizza would be good for little guy. I'ts one of our favorites to make with whatever is on sale and some of that Ragu stockpile!

I think they'd eat leftover drumsticks.

[shashabell]

Home made pizza made with biscuits.

Pillsbury biscuits are always on sale and with coupons I have been able to stockpile them for free or almost free. You can freeze canned biscuits too. I have several still in my freezer.

Make them the night before and send them in their lunches cold from the fridge.
Pat out the biscuits flat and spread out to make individual pizza crusts. Spread on jarred pizza sauce. Add pepperoni, ham, or whatever the kids like. Top with a little cheese. I usually use the canned paramasan cheese. You only need a few shakes worth.

You'd be surprised how many pizzas you can get out of a jar of pizza sauce. They cost approx. $1.25 and the canned parmasan cheese goes a long long way too.

If they like yogurt, you can catch that on sale a lot with coupons.
Fresh baby carrots are always on sale. They're little tykes, so it won't take a lot to have as a go along with their lunch.

[couponsmakecents]

You can also use this same premise but use the following fillings:

Hotdogs and cheese
Ham and Cheese
Turkey and Cheese
Meat balls and Cheese

You can also make my version of pigs in the blanket: Use biscuits, use 1/3 of a hotdog or a little smokie, roll up, and bake.

Will post if I think of more.

Home made pizza made with biscuits.

Pillsbury biscuits are always on sale and with coupons I have been able to stockpile them for free or almost free. You can freeze canned biscuits too. I have several still in my freezer.

Pat out the biscuits flat and spread out to make individual pizza crusts. Spread on jarred pizza sauce. Add pepperoni, ham, or whatever the kids like. Top with a little cheese. I usually use the canned paramasan cheese. You only need a few shakes worth.

You'd be surprised how many pizzas you can get out of a jar of pizza sauce. They cost approx. 1.25 and the canned parmasan cheese goes a long long way too.

[shashabell]

My son also likes the cresent rolls filled with pizza sauce and cheese then rolled. I like ham & cheese myself.

You could make a sweet cresent roll for their dessert instead of using them for savory items. Add some sugar and cinnamon and roll em up. Sprinkle top with a little more sugar before baking. Or add some brown sugar and honey inside and roll.

You can add get creative and make up your own crescent roll recipes based on what your kids like.

Crescent rolls is another thing I have gotten for free on sale with coupons and have lots in the freezer.

[Andra]

If you get a good quality thermos you can send soup and other hot casserole dishes in it.

Carrots--buy whole and peel and cut into sticks. I can get a pound for .79 around here.

Celery is also usually affordable and you get several weeks out of it.

Get a head of iceberg lettuce and some tortillas (less than $1 when there are coupons, or even cheaper and healthier you could make your own tortillas) and make wraps with lunchmeat and cheese.

[Illinois Mary]

Home made pizza made with biscuits.

Pillsbury biscuits are always on sale and with coupons I have been able to stockpile them for free or almost free. You can freeze canned biscuits too. I have several still in my freezer.

Make them the night before and send them in their lunches cold from the fridge.
Pat out the biscuits flat and spread out to make individual pizza crusts. Spread on jarred pizza sauce. Add pepperoni, ham, or whatever the kids like. Top with a little cheese. I usually use the canned paramasan cheese. You only need a few shakes worth.

You'd be surprised how many pizzas you can get out of a jar of pizza sauce. They cost approx. $1.25 and the canned parmasan cheese goes a long long way too.

If they like yogurt, you can catch that on sale a lot with coupons.
Fresh baby carrots are always on sale. They're little tykes, so it won't take a lot to have as a go along with their lunch.

You can freeze canned biscuits????? I had no idea. Do you freeze them in the can or do you cook them first? I love this idea!

[XUfan]

This is a great thread! I wish I had some ideas to share...but I'm actually reading this to GET ideas! We're applying for the reduced lunches too, and I'm 99% sure we'll get them. A lunch at the Jr. High costs $2.50 (regular price) or .45 (reduced). Last year, I let our 12 year old buy 2 lunches a week, at regular price. That's $20 per month! This year, we don't have that $20 per month. So...I'm seriously hoping we qualify!