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Original poster

Cheap packed lunches now we no longer qualify for free school meals

26 replies

BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 09:47

Any ideas?

Moved in with DP so now have two DC to pay for school dinners and another DC as of September

X

OP posts:
choccybiscuit · 07/04/2018 09:50

Wraps, bagels, sandwiches, chopped fruit, pretzels, plain tortilla chips, popcorn, yoghurts.

FayKnights · 07/04/2018 09:58

I thought that if you qualify for FSM at anytime you were eligible until the child finishes school?

Original poster
BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 10:26

Thank you

Fay I don't think so?? I've been paying for them...

OP posts:
overmydeadbody · 07/04/2018 10:29

Plan ahead and buy in bulk.

Buy reduced bread.

Don't buy individual packets like little cheese etc, buy a bit block and put slices in pots.

Popcorn is cheap to make yourself and pop on pots ( cheaper than packets of crisps)

Mymouthgetsmeintrouble · 07/04/2018 10:31

Get some of the systema pots with a screw lid so you can decant yogurt into them from the big pots which can work out cheaper especially if your children will eat natural yogurt , i also find aldi good for healthy lunchbox snacks their little boxes of raisins are cheaper than anywhere else and they do these little packs of pea snacks that are really nice their fruit is cheap too and their bread products are cheaper than other supermarkets my children like the thins and pittas

QuiteLikely5 · 07/04/2018 10:34

Buy little pots and make jelly. Jelly is really cheap. You can make six little pots for less than £1

Buy Philadelphia when it’s on special or stores own brand

Buy frubes and put in freezer

Phily sandwich, tub of jelly, a frozen frube, water bottle and a piece of fruit

Rice crackers are cheap too.

SnookieSnooks · 07/04/2018 10:43

Shop for fruit and veg in market stalls or only buy what’s on offer in supermarket.
Pasta salad - nutritious and filling.
Do your DCs like pulses? They are very cheap (and incidentally less than half the price in Lidl than Sainsbury, even though they are cheap in Sainsbury). Hummus sandwich or hummus and carrot sticks - very cheap and nutricious.
Marmite sandwiches work out cheap too.

Do you DCs like fish? Canned tuna is also very good value. There is some fresh fish too that is very cheap. I bought some pollok once - it is like cod but extremely cheap. Not sure about putting this in a sandwich but might be nice in a pasta salad.

The other alternative is to buy a food flask and give them left overs from the night before. My kids used to like this.
Casserole or spaghetti bolognese works well.

Good luck!

ToriRay · 07/04/2018 10:54

Make a big pot of pasta salad (tuna, sweet corn etc) then send in tuppaware? Lasts a few days in the fridge and then a couple of days of thins/wraps etc? Mix it up a bit and pasta salad can work out really cheap! Smile

OrlandaFuriosa · 07/04/2018 10:54

Some children like the same thing every day. A cheese and marmite sandwich, for example, with a small piece of fruit and a drink, water for preference.

Original poster
BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 10:56

I like that pasta idea Tori!

One child has autism and pasta is one of the only things he'll eat. No yogurt, jelly, cheese, fruit, or veg...

OP posts:
ToriRay · 07/04/2018 11:01

What about flapjack? Can blend dried fruit so it's not obvious?

Original poster
BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 13:08

He does eat flapjack but would definitely notice anything "wrong" with it!!

OP posts:
ToriRay · 07/04/2018 14:29

Maybe just flapjack then! Smile

FayKnights · 07/04/2018 14:43

Are you in England? The gov.uk website says:
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.
Not sure about the rest of UK, but can have a look.
Some great suggestions above though.

Original poster
BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 15:53

I am in England ... Will have another look at that

OP posts:
ALemonyPea · 07/04/2018 16:20

Fay, that is only under the new universal credit rules. Op has stated her DP has moved in, so her income is over the threshold.

carringtonm · 07/04/2018 16:28

I think Fay is right - look into the Ever6 aspect of FSM which as far as I'm aware means that a family will still be eligible or Pupil Premium funding (inc. FSM) for 6 years once they are no longer living under the income bracket. Ask the school if you still qualify under Ever6.

MyDcAreMarvel · 07/04/2018 16:33

No Ever six gives pupil premium not fsm continuation.

CrossBorderProblems · 07/04/2018 16:33

Nope... they continue to be eligible for Pupil Premium under Ever6 but not FSM.

FSM entitlement currently ends (in England and Wales, no idea about Scotland) as soon as you stop claiming a qualifying benefit.

MyDcAreMarvel · 07/04/2018 16:39

Actually that seems to now be the case that fsm I think naybevit only came j to place this month.

Original poster
BirthdayKake · 07/04/2018 16:44

The school have told me about Ever 6 but it's not for free school meals

OP posts:
AdoraBell · 07/04/2018 17:51

Could you hide veg in the pasta salad? If not then just fill it with what DC will eat.

FayKnights · 08/04/2018 23:45

Apologies Birthday, I was hoping to be helpful Blush.
I’m confusing the pupil premium with FSM. Thanks for clarifying all.

Rainbowqueeen · 08/04/2018 23:56

Homemade soup is also a cheap option.

Do you have a thermos they could use? (My kids got them in their xmas stockings)

I make pizza scrolls for mine. or you can do marmite and cheese scrolls.

Flampingu · 08/04/2018 23:59

Def try going to Tesco etc after 8 if possible. Their fresh bread gets reduced to about 25p and can be frozen.
Soup is also great and filling - use whatever veg is in season or buy the packs for a pound.