Parents are getting back into the routine of school as much as the kids are – we’re grocery shopping, prepping lunches, and freezing baking and meals in preparation for the busy days ahead. In our household, we’re also looking at the family budget after the hit that back to school shopping took! Now is the time to refocus and get on a good spending pattern ahead of the holidays (yes, Christmas is coming!)
Abby Langer RD is a communications and consulting dietitian based in Toronto, Canada and she’s believes that school lunches should not cost parents as much as a lunch at a restaurant yet, many parents are spending way more than they should, mostly because of poor planning. Here are her tips to help trim that school lunch budget:
First off, you’ve got to check out Flipp. To make great lunches, you’ve got to be prepared! That means hitting the grocery store for all the food you need. What better way to organize yourself and save money than to use Flipp?
Flipp is a free shopping app that brings you local flyers to your smartphone to help you plan and save on the things you need, at the stores you love to shop at. With coupons, price matching, a personalized grocery list, and more, you’ll be on your way to being lunch-savvy in no time! Use Flipp to easily find healthy ingredients that are on sale and build that week’s lunches around those key ingredients.
A balanced lunch doesn’t have to cost a lot! Buy in-season or frozen vegetables and fruit, add cost-effective protein such as beans, lentils, eggs, tuna, or tofu, and a source of whole grains such as brown rice or pasta. A dish like pasta with tuna and peas is the perfect example of a low-cost lunch that’s a favorite in our house.
Protein is paramount! Aside from helping to build strong muscles, protein also helps kids focus and stay mentally sharp for anything their busy day throws at them. Protein keeps kids full for longer, so they’ll be satisfied all afternoon long. Some easy, cost-effective protein choices include tofu, beans, tuna, and eggs. More expensive proteins like chicken and beef can be stretched by adding them to stir fries or rice dishes, such as fried rice with chicken and mixed vegetables.
Get kids invested. Kids tend to eat more when they’re involved in the planning and preparation of meals. Why not bring the kids with you to grocery shop? They can choose the fruit and vegetables they’d like to bring in their lunches. At home, organize a lunch shelf with preprepared items in your pantry and refrigerator and get the kids to help make their lunches. The only rule? Each lunch should have at least four of the five food groups: fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Be creative with leftovers! Leftovers are one of the easiest and most cost-effective options for lunches. Leftover sweet potato and black beans can be put into a soft tortilla with cheddar cheese and bam: a burrito! Leftover pasta? Add a can of tuna in olive oil, some Parmesan cheese, and a few green peas to make my kids’ all-time favorite meal, served hot or cold. Got some extra macaroni and cheese? Heat it with broccoli and put it into a thermos. Rice hanging around the fridge? Fry it up quickly with a leftover chicken or a beaten egg, some sesame oil, and frozen vegetables. Easy!
These are some great tips from Abby Langer RD! I hope they’re helpful for you in your lunch budgeting and planning this fall!
Heads up – Flipp is hosting an amazing contest for the month of September! They’re giving away a $2000 Kitchen Prize Pack! All the details can be found here – I encourage you to check it out and enter. Someone has to win, why shouldn’t it be you?
We’re hosting our own Flipp giveaway this month! One of our readers is going to win the above Flipp lunch prize package along with a $100 Visa Gift Card to help in your shopping! Enter your name and email address in the form below to get started. Your first entry is to simply leave a comment on this blog post telling us about your experience with the Flipp App! Have you downloaded and used it? If not, you’re spending too much!
I love the flipp app!! The most useful app I have!
I absolutely love Flipp! It helps me to save money every single time I shop. The coupons are an added bonus and I love the shopping list feature!
I am new,have never tried.
I had never used the app but I am thinking to get it Now.
I haven’t used the flip app yet but can’t wait to try it out.
I haven’t tried flipp yet but I will now.
I can’t wait to use Flipp!
I am new and have not tried it. But can not wait to download it!!
I haven’t used it but am anxious to try.
I haven’t used the Flipp app yet, but it sounds interesting. I’m terrible for clipping/loading coupons and then forgetting to use them in time. This might get me organised.
I use the flip app weekly. I love that you can search specific items.
I have been using the Flipp app for a few years now and love it. No more touching dirty paper flyers lol.
I’ve used the Flipp App a few times. I like how easy it makes finding things that are on sale.
I really love the app. I use it weekly to price match and If I am looking for something specify – I always check to make sure it is on sale and where.
This looks great!
I love Flipp! It’s great, especially since there is only three big grocery chains in town so I like comparing my options.
I am new to Flipp!
I love flipp and use it every time I go shopping.
I love it! I make hubby use it to! I like how the shopping list looks now
I use it all the time- one of my favorite apps!
I m new to flipp but I’m sure it won’t take me long to love it
I love the flipp app, been using it for very long. Love that I can search flyers “clip” the sales I want. Keeps me organized at the stores
I have never heard of it before.
I finally just got my first smart phone on Saturday, and I haven’t put any apps on it yet but Flipp is one of the first on my list to put on. For me, apps like Flipp are one of the main perks of having a smart phone. I know I will use the Flipp app a lot, and love it – I love to shop, compare prices, save money etc.
I’m new to it but definitely excited to try it out!
I know of the flipp app but I don’t have enough storage on my phone to download it. I still receive paper flyers.
I like the Flipp App but am an infrequent user. Find I’m using more now that I have to buy food for lunches.
I love the flip app. I used to be that person with 10 different flyers with tons of circles on them for price matching. It is so nice to not have to bring all the flyers with me to price match. Now I just whip out my phone and show the cashiers the item I’m price matching. I feel way more organize and takes a lot of stress off my shoulder cuz the items I’m price matching is easier to find. I love flipp!
Really love the Flipp app, as I can search for all my price matching in one place instead of comparing paper flyers!
I use the Flipp app every day! Best app out there! Helps me stay organized and on budget!!!
I use it weekly! Always to find the best grocery deals! Thanks!
I am new to Flipp and can’t wait to start using it!
This is the first I’ve heard of Flipp.. will have to check it out!
I’ve been using Flipp for about 10 months and love it. I use it while preparing my weekly grocery list to ensure I get the best price possibly. Sometimes I’ll see something in the grocery store that isn’t on my list and I’ll use Flipp while shopping to see if I can get a better price.
I love my Flipp app. My whole family has it and my Dad too. Very handy, saves us time and money!
I LOVE the Flipp App. I am a big pricematcher so I love that you can clip the items that have the best prices and save them to a folder. Then I simply go into that folder and show the cashier on the clippings on my phone. So easy and way better than flipping through the paper flyers!
I have the Flipp App! I’ve been using it for a while now and love it. 🙂
I’m already a user and I really like the app!
Dedicated user of Flipp for flyers, comparing prices, and I use it for price matching.
I am registered for flip but forgot to put the app on my phone
I JUST downloaded the app after reading this and can’t wait to try it out!!
I am a user since last fall. I use it weekly before I go shopping. Saves me money and gas.
I’ve been using Flipp since they came out. love being able to price match items, make a list, favorite my favorite stores. One thing I wish is that I could permanently delete stores that I never ever use or have access to. Otherwise its an amazing app and love it.
I really like how everything is one place. No more sorting through flyers.
I really like how everything is one place. No more sorting through flyers. It makes saving easier.
I have never used it. I need to make better use of apps in general.
I do use it , i love the coupons
I am a Flipp user already and love the app. My fave feature is the $ to indicate that there’s a coupon available for an item in the flyer and also the grocery list.
I do not have a smart phone so I can’t use Flipp but I have told my daughter and some friends about it.
I am so new to this I don’t even have it.
Just discovered Flipp. Love it. thank you for this giveaway.
I had it, but got rid of it.
I love this app it’s amazing
I’ve had the flipp app for quite a while 🙂 Its really great!
I am already a user. I love getting to see all the flyers in one place and saving even more on top of that.
I am new to it. My friends speak highly of the app.
Haven’t used it yet!
I am new to it. I just downloaded it right now. Why didn’t I know about this app? I always use coupons to shop and this is such a great way to easily find deals to the stores close by me. Thank you!
I haven’t used the app yet but I have heard so much about and I love to save money!
I have had the Flipp app for some time now but it wasn’t until recently that I started using it and I am hooked !
I am new to the Flipp App; I think that I will give it a try!
I use it every grocery trip to price match! Love it!
I am a fairly new user but I enjoy it a lot. I love being able to flip threw flyers, check out and keep track of deals, especially if I am out and need to kill time.
I do have the Flipp app but I haven’t used it yet, I always seem to forget. I would love to be organized when it comes to coupons / savings!
I love the coupons available when I shop. I always check for coupons so this is wonderful
I am already a Flipp user and love the app!
I am already a user and I love it!
I LOVE Flipp! I check it every single day to compare prices and add to my shopping list, and I always recommend it to my family and friends!
I’ve never heard of it before this but will definitely check it out now.
I haven’t tried it yet…sounds interesting though.
I’m new to Flip but it’s an amazing way to save money
I am new to the Flip App but I welcome the opportunity to make planning and saving money easier. Out with the coupons and in with the App!
I like the flipp app, I use it weekly to check flyers and search for products I need.
I have the Flipp app downloaded already on my phone. I think it is great!
I have been using the Flipp App for awhile now. It works great and saves me money.
Love the flipp app ! I use it to compare prices and price match ! love that I can pull out my phone and use it right before I check out to make sure I havent missed any deals
I have never heard of Flipp until your blog post. Sounds like a great way to save on the groceries.
I had not used the app before. Looks like it will be very useful.
Never heard of it until now! Will have to check it out!
I am an active user. I love looking through numerous flyers at the tip of my fingers
Been using it for a while. I quite like it.
I haven’t heard of the app before, but I will check it out! Who doesn’t love saving money!? Thanks for the chance to win!
I love the Flipp app. I use it weekly. If I forget my cellphone when doing groceries, I feel lost.
I’m fairly new to the app but so far it’s been great!
I’m brand new to Flipp App but can’t wait to try it!
I have it and used it, but am not super familiar with it. I think it has depths yet unexplored for me.
I use flipp all the time, one of my favorite apps.
I love Flipp! It saves me money every week. The clipping feature makes price matching easy!
I’ve never used it. Do you need a data plan to use it?
I downloaded the Flipp app around the time it was first introduced. It was very easy to use then. There was an icon on the bottom of the first page to search. Now they seem to have “upgraded” the app but it is much less user-friendly. I often have to tap the search button multiple times, and I type in the item I’m searching for and the page resets and … I’ve lot the info. It was also very easy to find clipped items, I could find them as the cashier was ringing in the item. Now I don’t know where to find clipped items. I’m not fond of Flipp anymore, I’m thinking of deleting the app from my phone.
I am fairly new to it and learning about it.
The Flipp App is the most amazing app I’ve used, it’s so easy and effortless to use and I love seeing the flyers all in one place and couldn’t live with out the coupons. Thanks for this giveaway.
I have the Flipp app and love it! Thanks for this post, it’s good to be reminded of my handy dandy app friend!
No doubt, Flipp is the app I most frequently use!wendy
I love Flipp and use it several times a week.
I use it and I love it
I’m a flipp user, I use it all the time and tell everyone about it
I have never used it. But my sister uses it all the time and loves.She keeps telling me to get it and I just keep forgetting to.And now my phone is broken,so when I get a new one I’ll put the app on.
I haven’t tried it yet, will do so now.
I love the Flipp app and use it all the time because it makes shopping SO MUCH EASIER!
I actually was just eavesdropping on someone who was using it in the grocery store on the weekend.
she showed me how she put in a product that she wanted (toilet paper) and it told her which store had it on sale that day. made me Flipp out!
I am not a user.,yet! Will be checking it out!
I am already a user! Use it every week to help meal plan based on the sales. So handy to have this app! Plus it is great for price matching.
love the flipp app easy to use
I use Flipp on a weekly basis! I check grocery ads and meal plan according to the sales! My husband loves this app as well, he uses it a couple times a week!
I use the app every week for groceries
I love the flipp app! All the flyers in one spot and it helps me save money.
I’m a newbie
I’ve had the app for awhile-love it!
I haven’t yet but I’m going to try it!
I love using Flipp! I don’t look at paper flyers anymore. I also like that you can find the best deal quickly on the app.
I’m new to it but loving it so far.
I am new to Flipp. I look forward to using it.
I love flipp. I use it all the time. I even have my husband using the app. No need for weekly flyers……..this is great save the trees.
I’ve never used it but I’ll download it today!
I haven’t used it yet but it does look good!
I am new to this but any help is appreciated, ideas are needed as I tend to do the usual and mixing things up makes my son happy!
I have yet to try the flip app, I’m someone who needs a push to adopt new technology but I keep hearing how great it it! I’ll have to try it ?
I’m fairly new to Flipp but loving it so far. Easier to browse flyers for sure!
I’m new to flipp app and looking forward to checking it out.
I love this app! I never buy anything without checking it to see where to find the best price.
I’ve never tried Flipp.
I rely on Flipp, it is my go to tool.
I haven’t tried Flipp yet, but it sounds like something I could use daily. Can’t wait to try it.
I’ve used the Flipp but not very often.
I just signed up for the Flipp app. I am looking forward to using it
I am a new user. Never tried it before.
I had never used the app but I am going to check it out now, that I have read about it.
I already use and love the flip app! I use it to plan out our grocery shops each week and when I’m hunting for specific items.
I’ve been using Flipp for over a year now. Love the coupon feature.
I have been using Flipp for a while now!
I am new and have not tried it.
I have the app but I have yet to take advantage of its services
I love how the Flipp app saves me money and how I can check out all the specials at all the stores I love with it.This shopping list is so awesome .It gives me the opportunity to compare prices and decide where I can save the most money.I love it!!
This looks like an awesome app. Want to try right away. Tks B
I’ve been using Flipp for about 2 years now, it’s awesome and i just love it!
I use it every week and it’s one of my go-to apps for price-matching.
it’s not compatible with my phone’s OS so I have never used it
I love that I’m able to price shop and compare before ever stepping out of the house!
Have it and use it, OFTEN! Its great when i need to find who’s got the best deal on an item.
Yup, already a user and love it. Got my husband to download the app too so he can pre-plan grocery shopping when I’m too busy to.
yes i love the flipp app! saves me from looking through so many flyers
I am new to Flipp but love it!
I use flipp almost every day
I am new can’t wait to try it and enjoy it. Thanks for the wonderful chance 🙂
I love the Flipp app for baby products, especially diapers.
I’m completely new to the flipp app, checking it out for the first time today.
Unfortunately I still have a BlackBerry and can’t download that app.. But i’m a huge flyer shopper, so when I eventually update my phone that will be the first app I download.
I am actually new to Flipp. Heard about before but have not looked into it enough .
I’m brand new to this!
I do not have the Flipp app as I do not have a smartphone…but once I get one, I will definitely be downloading it as I hear good things about it.
I haven’t used Flipp, but I plan on trying it out!
I’ve been using the Flipp app for quite awhile. While I was on maternity leave and could shop during the day, I used it at Target for price matching. It’s so handy to be able to be out shopping and check to make sure that “great deal” really is one before making a purchase! Shopping list is great too!
yup, I just used it like 20 minutes ago to look at couches on sales
I found Flipp while searching for apps to help with couponing. I love it! I recently became a FT SAHM and I love all these helpful apps and websites that help with savings.
I’m already a user of Flipp!!! I LOVE it so much!! It is so easy to use and much quicker to price match.
Flipp made themselves so unique such that I always have to have the app available. I probably don’t use it to it’s full potential but I LOVE it when I’m using the search function for something in particular. It has come in handy time and time again when I run out of a staple snack or food.
I am a new Flipp user after reading your article and I’m wondering where it has been my whole life! I love coupons and I refuse to go shopping with any hahah. Flipp not only provides me with weekly coupons that I may not always receive, but now I’m aware of some rewards cards that I didn’t even know about until Flipp! Super excited to put this to use! Thank you for the article and the opportunity! Xo
I use flipp to price match every week.
I love the flipp app! have been using it for a while!
I’m already a user – I use it all the time and love it!!
I use it! Its great for cutting down on the amount of mail I need to go through to look at flyers!
No, I have not used the Flipp app yet, but would like to.
I’ve been using Flipp for a long time. I live in rural Alberta and have about three communities that I shop in. I don’t receive flyers from all these areas, and I don’t have to thanks to Flipp!
I love using Flipp to help find best deals.
I love heard of flipp app ,but have to check it out.
I haven’t heard of it before today, but will be looking into getting it.
I am a recent user of the Flipp App. I like how convenient it is for me to determine where I am going to grocery shop. I love being able to compare prices for the same item so quickly.
I use the Flipp app everytime i go grocery shopping