It’s no secret that obesity is a growing problem in North America and those most afflicted are pre-teens and teenagers. According to a University of Michigan Study, kids who eat school lunches were nearly 39% more likely to be overweight compared with 25% of youngsters who bring lunch from home.  

You can counter this growing trend and teach your children about financial choices by introducing them to lunchroom economics. The carrot in this plan – pardon my pun – is cash.

How it works

First, set a value for the daily school meal. The cost of a cafeteria lunch, when available, varies from about $2.75 to $4.00*.I suggest pegging it at the high end. Then set a value for homemade lunches – keep it on the low side, say $1.50*, assuming they aren’t using a lot of pre-packaged foods.

Now here’s the key, let your child keep the difference between the cost of homemade and purchased. This money should be separate from an allowance and directed to a specific savings goal.

If you live in an area that has all or partially subsidized school lunches you will need to adjust the figures. However the non-profit, anti-hunger organization Breakfast For Learning, estimates that only 7% to 10% percent of Canada’s  almost 5.1 million**students receive even partially subsidized school meals.

One way to keep your child on the homemade track is to suggest they eat one or two purchased lunches weekly – at least to begin with.  Going cold turkey is likely to increase the risk of failure.

Preparation is key

Work with your child to plan and prepare nutritious school lunches.  Make sure the budding chefs assemble everything the night before – you know what they’re like in morning!  

Coming up with a meal plan can be a major stumbling block for busy parents.Here are some resources for lunch ideas (and things to avoid) that will not only save money but are healthier too.

• EatRight Ontario – a provincial government resource that provides easy-to-use nutrition information – including menu planning and recipes –from Registered Dietitians.
• CanadianParents.com – an online community where parents can share information, including tips about school lunches (under the Food/Recipes tab).
• Heart and Stroke Foundation– the foundation’s website offers heart-smart, family-friendly recipes, tools and tips under their Healthy Kids/Healthy Eating tab.


* Lunch costs are examples only and will vary from school to school.
**Statistics Canada, Elementary and Secondary School Age Students 2008/2009.


Alison Griffiths is an award-winning financial journalist, bestselling author and broadcaster. For the past three years she has hosted the acclaimed television shows Maxed Out for W Network and Dollars and Sense for Viva. Alison also writes the popular “Me and My Money” column in the Toronto Star and hosts the “House Calls” seminar series. She is currently completing a book on taking control of your investing life.