WITH children returning to school in the coming weeks, packed lunches are back on the menu.
The key is to provide kids with healthy food that will keep them energised . . . while not costing you a fortune.
Here are some cheap ways to feed your young scholars.
Munchables: I used to love getting Lunchables in my packed lunch but at £1.55 a pack at Tesco, that works out at £7.75 for the school week. Cut the cost by making your own version.
Grab a pack of cream crackers from Aldi for 39p, a pack of cooked ham for 79p and a block of mature, lighter cheese for £1.79. Together that comes to £2.97 — and you will be able to make several portions with these ingredients.
SAVING: £4.78, for more servings
Freezy peasy: Take a leaf out of Stacey Solomon’s book and batch-make sandwiches to save you time during the week. Stacey’s kids like chocolate spread ones best.
Simply wrap them in clingfilm and pop them in the freezer, then take one out each morning. It will be nice and fresh by lunchtime. You can also do this with cakes and muffins.
Grab a tub of Nutoka Hazelnut Chocolate spread from Aldi for 99p, far cheaper than Nutella for £2.90 at Asda.
SAVING: £1.91
Pop to it: Why not make your own popcorn? The kids will love getting involved . . . and eating it for lunch.
You can buy a 500g bag of popcorn kernels for £1.10 at Sainsbury’s — that is cheaper than £2 at Ocado. Heat some oil in a large pan and drop in 50g of kernels. Pop the lid on the pan and cook until the popping stops.
Keep your popcorn fresh by storing it in an airtight container.
SAVING: 90p
Waste not, want not: Don’t forget to add some fruit to their lunchbox. Kids tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to eating apples and if cut it into slices, it goes an off-putting brown.
You can avoid this by piecing it back together and securing with an elastic band.
Nab a bag of Rosedene Farm small apples at Tesco for 79p — cheaper than a bag of Sainsbury’s mini apples for 85p.
SAVING: 6p
Deal of day
ANY student with a confirmed place at university can get themselves a four-year railcard, worth £120, for FREE when they open a student bank account with Santander.
SAVE: £120
Cheap treat
THIS offer is top of the pops. Between now and Wednesday, an 80-piece bucket of popcorn chicken at KFC is just £2.99, instead of the usual £5.99.
SAVE: £3
