The simple act of packing a school lunch is putting a growing strain on family budgets, with costs climbing at a rate that outpaced general inflation over the past year.
According to a recent study, the average cost for a parent to pack a single lunch for their child is now $6.15.
This represents a 3% increase since the start of the 2024 school year, reflecting the broader rise in grocery prices.
Even the most basic “classic” lunch, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk, has not been spared.
Although it remains one of the most affordable options at less than $5, its price has jumped by 6% compared to a year ago.
Even though cafeteria lunches are often more affordable or even free, a significant number of parents are sticking to the packed-lunch routine.
The study found that 42% of parents surveyed continue to send their children to school with a meal from home.
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