Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

Inflation continues its sky-high rise, causing the cost of food to climb even further.

The latest Consumer Price Index for August, released Sept. 13 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed that the “food at home” category rose again in August — up 0.7%. That bumped the index up 13.5% over the last 12 months — the biggest 12-month increase since the period ending March 1979, according to the BLS.

Learn: Surprising Things You Can Buy With Food Stamps See Why: This Credit Score Mistake Could Be Costing Millions of Americans

As the cost of groceries goes up, the basic task of making one’s children school lunches becomes a difficult expense. The problem is compounded now that the Covid-era universal free lunch program is set to expire on Sept. 30 — a move that is expected to impact some 10 million children.  

It’s on the U.S government to reduce inflation (and hopefully give kids free lunches at school), but there are some things that parents can do to take the heat off the costs of school lunches without sacrificing fun or nutrition.

Here’s a look at seven cheap, easy and fun school lunch recipes. 

Submitted by: Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, nutrition expert, mom of three and the author of “Everyday Snack Tray.” 

Why it’s great: “This balanced lunch with plenty of protein, fiber and flavor will keep [kids] full and ready to learn for hours,” Largeman-Roth said. 

Submitted by: Millie Pham, full-time blogger.

Why it’s great: “Kids love chicken, so they’ll enjoy this creative take on a classic taco,” Pham said. “With capsicum and avocado, the creamy salsa adds color and flavor without making kids feel like they’re eating something healthy.”

Submitted by: Matt Steffen, executive chef for Temecula Creek Inn. 

Why it’s great: “My kids absolutely love the Hidden Treasure Quesadillas because they feel like they’re getting hash browns, a lot of cheese and chicken all wrapped into one thing,” Steffen said. “My kids will eat these hot or cold.” 

Submitted by: Christine Pittman, founder of COOKtheSTORY and The Cookful.

What makes it great: “Kids love it because it’s colorful and because you can customize it to ingredients that they like,” Pittman said. “My kids in particular also love when I turn it into soup. How? I put the frozen pasta salad into a bowl with some chicken broth and heat it up. It’s now a noodle vegetable soup for their thermos. I put a few saltines in their lunchbox so they can crush them into the soup before they eat it.”

Submitted by: Dr. Melissa Mondala, a triple specialist in family medicine, lifestyle medicine and primary care psychiatry who co-runs the clinic Dr. Lifestyle.

What makes it great: “Avocados have been the trendy, staple food item for a while now, and it’s for a good reason,” Mondala said. “They are high in omega-3, folate, fiber, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins C, K, E and many other nutrients. They are also one of the healthiest fat sources, which is essential to our bodies and helps us feel full for longer.” 

Cost: Under $30 for 12 servings — but much less if you have these pantry staples 

Submitted by: Theresa Bertuzzi, chief program development officer/co-owner and founder of Tiny Hoppers. 

What makes it great: “Kids love this recipe because it tastes like chewy store-bought granola bars,” Bertuzzi said. “However, depending on the butter ingredient you choose, it can also have the flavor of a peanut butter cup, which kids are definitely a fan of. It tastes like a treat but still provides an excellent fiber source from the oats.”  

Submitted by: Vered DeLeeuw, founder, Healthy Recipes Blog.

What makes it great: “Kids love finger foods,” DeLeeuw said. “Plus, these roll-ups are tasty but not overly seasoned or spiced. Perfect for even the pickiest eaters.”

Squeeze every last dollar in savings from the online retailer.

These things are good to have on hand even after the pandemic.

Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the offers appearing on this site are from advertisers from which this website receives compensation for being listed here. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for the latest financial news and trending topics.

For our full Privacy Policy, click here.