When tough economic times force families to slash their food budgets, coming up with cheap lunch ideas that will satisfy children isn’t always easy.
Lunch ideas for kids don’t need to be expensive to satisfy their taste buds. Listed below are six cheap lunch ideas for kids!
Cheap Lunch Ideas for Kids
Peanut Butter Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread (Generic) and a Banana
Peanut butter sandwiches on fiber-rich whole wheat bread is and old-time favorite. Peanut butter is full of the protein needed to encourage healthy muscle growth in children.
When searching for the perfect side item to compliment a delicious peanut butter sandwich, look no further than a potassium-rich banana.
Although the cost of bananas continues to rise, they’re still more affordable than other fresh fruit selections on the market.
Baked Potato with Shredded Cheese and Chives
Baked potatoes with shredded cheese and chives will give kids plenty of energy to get through their day. Potatoes can be a lifesaver for families facing tough economic times because they’re inexpensive, versatile, and packed with nutrients.
To cut the prep time on this budget-friendly meal option, use the microwave to cook the potatoes. If the baked potatoes are being prepared for young children, remove the skins to make them easier to eat.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Sliced Peaches (canned)
Kids can’t resist the taste of grilled cheese sandwiches when they’re cooked to perfection. Cheese is a rich source of calcium, and it encourages healthy teeth and bones in children.
Canned peaches are budget-friendly, and they’re a tasty compliment to grilled cheese sandwiches. Canned peaches tend to be a bit slippery and can easily slide down a child’s throat. So dice them into little pieces before serving them to small children.
Chicken or Beef Pot Pie
Individual pot pie servings can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store for less than a dollar. To boost the nutritional value of frozen pot pie, simply add a few steamed peas, carrots, or other veggies as a side item.
Oatmeal with Applesauce and Cinnamon
Although oatmeal is traditionally served for breakfast, it’s an inexpensive food choice that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
Oatmeal is filling and it’s nutritious. Instead of using sugar to sweeten the oatmeal, mix in a little fiber-rich applesauce and a dash of cinnamon for an extra boost of spice.
Omelet with Diced Tomatoes and Cheese
Eggs can be used to make tons of delicious inexpensive meals for kids — including omelets. Kids love to have their protein rich omelets topped with cheese and diced tomatoes. The cost of tomatoes can be slashed by purchasing them from a local farmers market.
Even when household finances are pinched, children can enjoy satisfying lunches that won’t break the bank.
