Food expert shares tips for healthy and budget-friendly school lunches

In a discussion with CBS Atlanta, food and lifestyle expert Lisa Washington shared strategies for preparing healthy school lunches that save time and money. She emphasized the importance of planning ahead and including protein, fruits and vegetables, and grains in each lunchbox. Washington also suggested creating snack boxes with kid-friendly options and preparing snacks in advance to streamline the process. Her easy recipes, such as Blueberry Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt Bark and Turkey Pinwheels, provide nutritious and appealing options for children.

Food expert shares tips for healthy and budget-friendly school lunches
1 source
lifestyle Published Aug 6, 2026

Topic overview

In brief

  • Lisa Washington emphasizes the importance of planning and balanced meals for school lunches.
  • She recommends including protein, fruits and vegetables, and grains in every lunchbox.
  • The key to success is keeping lunches simple and involving children in the preparation process.

Summary

In a recent discussion with CBS Atlanta, food and lifestyle expert Lisa Washington provided valuable insights on preparing healthy school lunches that are both economical and time-efficient. Washington emphasized the importance of planning ahead, maintaining balanced meals, and involving children in the preparation process. She suggested that every lunchbox should contain three essential components: protein, fruits and vegetables, and a grain. This combination is designed to help children remain energized and focused throughout their school day.

Washington also highlighted the benefits of including simple sides such as granola and fruit to complement the main meal. She recommended creating snack boxes filled with kid-friendly options like fruit, applesauce, granola, and sugar-free gummies. By purchasing these items in bulk, families can effectively manage their grocery budgets while ensuring they have a variety of snacks available for their children.

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Updated Aug 6, 2026

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