Bring Your Lunch to Work

Buying workday lunches can be a serious financial drain. The costs of take-out or eat-in dining, treats from your favorite shop, and vending machine extras all add up fast. But watching your budget doesn't have to be difficult.

With a little help from Giant Eagle^®, you can transform your midday meals. Every day that you pack your lunch is an opportunity to save money and diversify your plate.

Consider cost

Have you ever stopped to calculate how much you spend on your daily lunch? At an average cost of $8-12 a day (that includes drinks, coffee, and extra snacks), and an average of 20 working days in a month, you're spending at least $160-240 per month. That means you can spend up to $2,880 — or more — each year!

Savings — beyond the sandwich

Brown bagging doesn't mean settling for a soggy sandwich. With a touch of creativity, packing your own lunch can turn your midday break into a culinary pleasure — with substantial savings.

Make night-before cooking easy: Use the oven. Baked dishes and casseroles can be mixed together in no time and — unlike stove top dishes — don't require your dedicated attention. This healthy, flavorful, and vegetarian recipe for Baked Curried Brown Rice & Lentil Pilaf is simple to make.
Think big to save big. Some dishes are easy to make in large batches, meaning you can refrigerate or freeze leftovers for future lunches. Take advantage of slow-cooker dishes or winter stews. Pack a drink, a small treat or a piece of fruit and you’ll enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked lunch that costs less.
Look for “easy” recipes. Simple-to-make options like blue cheese chicken sandwiches, tuna salad wraps, mac ‘n’ cheese with veggies, and fried rice take just minutes to prepare, and make lunchtime an event to anticipate.

Finding time

On those busy weeknights, it seems difficult to think about tomorrow's meal. But, it doesn't have to be a challenge. Plan ahead, add readymade foods to your lunchtime mix, and you’ll find that bringing your lunch to work is a breeze!

Deli sandwiches are affordable, fresh and satisfying — and the Giant Eagle^® Deli has you covered, from premium lunch meats and deli cheeses to salads and sides. Whether you're stopping in at lunchtime or making a sandwich the night before, it's easy to satisfy your cravings for a fast, tasty midday meal.
Buy or make drinks and snacks in advance. Bringing your favorite snacks and drinks with you means you never have to resort to overpriced convenience stores, coffee shops, or vending machines. And, the right snacks round out a simple deli sandwich, making a light lunch feel more substantial.
If you forgot your brown bag at home, you don't have to settle for overpriced takeout. Giant Eagle^® offers a unique selection of prepared foods, all ready to eat when you are.