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Across the nation, parents are struggling with back-to-school costs. According to a survey by LendingTree, 33% of parents will go into debt over the expense. Sadly, this isn’t surprising when considering that back-to-school spending is expected to soar to $34.4 billion, according to research by Deloitte.
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The costs don’t stop once the back-to-school hullabaloo is over either. Any parent knows that kids can drain your finances in every season. During the school year, expenses can pile up in the form of lunch money, which is partly why so many parents make their kids lunch at home. But that too can get expensive, especially now with the cost of food becoming untenable amid inflation.
So how can parents save on school lunches without skimping on nutrition? Consider these cheap, veggie-packed meals.
Submitted By: Joanna Wen, founder of Spices & Greens
“This savory red lentil soup is a simple one-dish soup to bring in a thermos,” Wen said. “Not only is it chock full of healthy protein, carbs, and fiber to keep your little ones feeling energized and satisfied throughout the afternoon, but the flavorful spices and herbs also boost their immune system.
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Submitted By: Dolores Renee, a lifestyle influencer
“I love this dish because it’s easy,” said Renee. “It uses common ingredients you already have in the house and it’s cheap. It’s full of vegetables and vitamins and also low in calories and carbs.”
Submitted By: Sarah Appleman MS, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist and the author of Play With Your Food
“This meal is colorful and delicious,” Appleman said. “It provides your children with the proper nutritional needs they require to maintain focus in and out of the classroom.”
Submitted By: Heather Kasvinsky, food blogger at This Noshtalgic Life
“Kids love color and dips,” said Kasvinsky. “It’s really exciting to open up a lunch box and see a hot pink dip contrasted with an array of beautiful veggie sticks and dark olives. It is super healthy, has protein and fat from chickpeas, olive oil and tahini, and is a fun interactive lunch due to the dipping.”
Submitted By: Krissy Allori, a recipe content creator, author and mom
“It’s packed with raw spinach but the kids can’t taste it because of the combination of fruits,” Allori said.
Submitted By: Megan Ayala, a nutrition, fitness and health expert at Patricia and Carolyn
“Tofu contains several anti-inflammatory, antioxidant phyto-chemicals, which makes it a great addition to rice,” Ayala said. “Tofu is also a commendable source of complete protein.”
Disclaimer: Photos are for representational purposes only.
The RMP allows certain SNAP recipients to purchase hot food.
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