Sending the kids back to school may be the most wonderful time of the year for many parents and caregivers. But the idea of making school lunches can also feel a little daunting.
Price Chopper is here to help school you with helpful tips, tricks and hacks that make school lunches for your B2Sers easier on your budget, schedule – and nerves. Just follow the ABCs of lunchbox lifesavers.
“A” is for ALWAYS be prepared, perishable food prepped and pantry-ready!
Summer school them on school lunch.
Use these last few weeks of summer break to observe and have some laidback conversations with your kids about what lunchtime foods and snacks they like, what they should like and what they don’t like. This is a great lunch idea generator and budget-saver. It could also help cut down on food waste.
Do your homework and make a list. This will be helpful for stocking up on non-perishable food and snacks to stock your pantry. Be sure to include favorite fruits and veggies that you will need on a regular, weekly basis. Identify your pantry-pleasers and go-tos – like bread, tortillas for wraps, granola bars, dried fruits and more.
Don’t overlook those must-haves like all your condiments, too. Be sure your list and cart have mayo, mustard, ketchup, ranch dressings and spreads. You can also find a huge selection of lunch-ready options throughout many our aisles and departments. Freeze-dried items are a hot food and snack trend right now so consider those as you hit the candy and snack aisles!
Arm yourself with lunch-packing life skills. Busy school mornings can set the tone for the entire day, so arm yourself with smart lunch-packing strategies that work ahead of time. Make Sunday and Wednesday evenings your prep days: wash, cut, bag, and refrigerate lunch items in single-serve bins for grab-and-go ease. And once your kids are old enough, get them involved—packing lunch together encourages responsibility, nutrition awareness, and fewer surprises at lunchtime. A little evening and weekend effort can make your mornings smoother and more efficient.
Find lunch packing shortcuts. Prepping and cutting fruit and veggies ahead of time can be a real lunch box game changer. If you want to save even more time, Price Chopper offers a variety of pre-cut and pre-washed offerings that can be divvied up and be instantly lunch ready.
Items like yogurt tubes, fruit cups, granola bars and even cookies thaw in time for the lunch bell. Pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches found in our frozen food department make a perfect handheld.
Bake in batches for the whole week. Brownies, cookies, protein monster balls, homemade baked goods can get you through the week and keep you on budget. Pop that microwave or machine popcorn on Sunday or the evening before for a favorite savory snack or side!
“B” is for BUILD OFF THE BASICS!
Build a balanced lunch the easy way. Here is a little primer and refresher on getting the basic food groups in the lunch box every day!
Pack the protein. Lean sources such as boiled or grilled chicken, seafood, hard-boiled eggs, beans, peas, edamame, soy products, and of course, lunch meats like cold cuts, fresh deli meat, beef jerky, nuts, hummus and cheeses are all great protein sources.
Serve the fruits & veggies. Aim to fill half your lunch box with a mix of fruits and veggies. Offer a variety of colors and types including fresh, frozen, dried and canned. Price Chopper has ‘em all! Make some fun fruit (and cheese) kabobs in happy rainbow colors, pre-freeze grapes for a cold unexpected treat. And, don’t forget the dips – ranch, yogurt, hummus, etc.
There’s a whole lotta good in whole grains. Breads, rolls, bagels are all great sources. Look for “whole grain” on the packing. You can also find high-protein, multi-grain, even gluten free items to suit your tastes and needs.
Dairy never disappoints! Count on easy-to-add calcium sources like string and cubed cheese, low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and protein meal drinks. We have lots of lactose-free or fortified soy alternatives.
“C” is for COME SHOP AT PRICE CHOPPER!!!
Pop quiz time:
Q. Why choose Price Chopper over other grocery stores and delivery services?
- Great fresh food options
- Low prices and great value for families
- Convenient city-wide locations, easy-to-shop store layouts, knowledgeable, helpful teammates
- Stocked with household and B2S items not just food
- Loves and supports KC – especially young back-to-schoolers
- All the above
If you chose “All the above” you are CORRECT! Great job!!! When you choose Price Chopper, you’re choosing the best for all your B2S needs!
Bring your list – and the kids! It’s a great chance to teach them about nutrition, involve them in choosing what they like (and what they’ll actually eat!), and even introduce basic budgeting. Turn shopping into a learning experience the whole family can enjoy!
Consider yourself schooled on the ABCs of lunchbox lifesavers!
From all of us at Price Chopper, we wish everyone a year of great eats, great learning and a safe and happy 2025 school year!
