If you’re a parent, you’re currently “in the thick of it” when it comes to the summer season. The kids are bored, they’re snacking more than they ever have in their life, and your wallet is shrinking as each meal passes by.
With grocery prices rising, parents can really feel the pinch during the time when kids are home the most, but fear not — there are lunch ideas designed to help save money! I’ve shared a handful of ideas below, with the idea of saving money by utilizing cost friendly items, or possible leftovers you may have in the fridge from the night before.
DIY Lunchables
This concept is super simple to create and even meal prep for the week. Have compulsive snackers? Maybe you have picky eaters that you’re just tired of catering to? This “DIY Lunchable” is an all around life saver!
To create, head to the store and snag some plastic containers that have divided sections for various items. Snag some of your kids’ favorite finger foods and bring home to cut up and divide in your containers. Some items to include in your lunchable could be:
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Cut up deli meat or salami
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Cheese cubes
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Nuts
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Fruits
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Veggies
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Trail mix
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Chips/ hummus
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Yogurt
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Chocolate chips
Chicken Salad
Such a classic kitchen staple but can be used in a few ways to make it go the distance. Let’s say you had some chicken for dinner the night before but you have leftovers. Take the leftover meat, along with your favorite chicken salad recipe, and use it as a new meal for the kids. You can serve it alongside some crackers for a carb-friendly option, or pile it on top of some bread for a delish chicken salad sandwich.
Since the salad will keep for a few days, you can always revisit the meal idea the very next day, and simply serve it in a different way. You may have your own favorite chicken salad recipe, or you could try this one!
Pizza Muffins
Yes, you read that correctly. Pizza muffins are a crowd pleaser and a time saver. Pizza muffins are packed with two types of cheeses, seasoning, and pepperoni and are so simple to create! The key ingredient is the flour, which helps these babies look like tiny pizza cups. Serve warm with a side of pizza sauce, and refrigerate the leftovers. When the kids want more, reheat and serve. We love this recipe.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
These party food staples are the simplest way to make sandwiches for the long haul. Since they take a while to go soggy, you can make them in bulk and put them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to chow down. Kids love them because they look interesting and taste delicious! You can translate this concept with a few variations of sandwich recipes, but we’ve linked a few below for inspiration.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Roll Ups
Similar to the “pinwheel sandwich,” these cute little roll up sandwiches are fun to eat and easy to transport on the go. In the case of being financially friendly, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich knows just how to do it. A definite budget friendly option and one that is almost always kid approved!
Find the full recipe here.
Grilled Cheese Dippers With Soup
On those not-so-hot days of summer, a classic combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup just really does the trick. When it comes to cost, it’s extremely budget friendly. When it comes to longevity, it may not take the cake, but it doesn’t take long at all to prepare. Simply grill up a cheese sandwich and cut diagonally. Heat up your soup and plate alongside your sandwich.
For a delicious sandwich recipe, try this one!
Creating a meal they’ll enjoy and that can fill their tummies can certainly be a challenge. If you incorporate any of these into your weekly meal schedule, you will certainly see more time and money make their debut back into your life.
Eventually, they’ll be back at school and unable to complain about wanting the eleventh snack until after you’ve picked them up. Until then, be your own best friend and use these strategic shortcuts as a small win.
Have you tried any of these easy recipes this summer? What is your kids’ favorite summer lunch recipe? Share your favorite recipes in the comments below!
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