If you work outside of the home, one of the best ways to save money is to bring your lunch instead of having fast food or cafeteria fare. Depending on what’s available in the neighborhood where you work, it might be a healthier option, too. Even days when you forget to pack your lunch or are out of leftovers don’t necessarily mean that you have to go out in search of sandwiches. Just plan ahead.

Over at The Kitchn, they’ve very pro-bringing-lunch-from-home, generally for the same reasons that we are. They offer some suggestions for things to keep in the break room or your desk drawer…depending on the scavenging tendencies of your co-workers.

Nice-quality packaged soup: Cans and dehydrated soup cups keep well, and you can find healthy and even lower-sodium choices. Even the hipster-oriented Campbell’s soup pouches could be a good choice here.

Peanut butter and crackers: If you or a colleague is allergic, you could also keep sunflower seed or soynut butter around. They’re still good for a snack or the base of a meal.

Canned beans: I’ve never tried this, but the site suggests taking advantage of your work kitchenette to prepare simple meals. You can do wonders with black beans and an avocado, assuming that you remembered to bring an avocado, a lime, and a shallot to work.

Fruit: Apples, bananas, or oranges will keep for most of the week on your desk. They make a fine dessert or snack any time. We’d also suggest packaged fruit or applesauce: as long as there’s no added sugar, they’re a healthy option that you don’t have to worry about going bad.

In Case of Emergency: 5 Foods to Keep in Your Desk for Last-Minute Lunches [The Kitchn]
Learning to Actually Pack (and Eat) Lunch: 3 Tips from a Recovering Lunch Buyer [The Kitchn]

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