How San Antonio families can pack healthy school lunches on a budget
A nutrition education coordinator with the San Antonio Food Bank demonstrates a few healthy lunch ideas
Stephanie Serna, Anchor/Reporter
Published: August 20, 2026 at 9:21 AM
SAN ANTONIO – Stricter federal and state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes lower the number of students eligible for free school lunch
The most significant impact in the San Antonio area was at North East ISD, where 30 campuses lost the free meals program
As some San Antonio families adjust to the changes, nutrition experts say packing an affordable lunch at home does not have to mean sacrificing healthy options
Luis Ricardo Crompton, a nutrition education coordinator with the San Antonio Food Bank, demonstrated a few lunch options that combine affordable ingredients with lean protein and vegetables
One option is a three-bean salad made with three types of beans
Crompton said beans can provide ah in saturated fat
For children who are not fans of beans, Crompton suggested a vegetable wrap made with celery, onions, and carrots, along with Swiss or mozzarella cheese and low-sodium smoked turkey
The ingredients can also be relatively inexpensive, he said
Tortillas can cost about $2 to $3, while vegetables such as celery and carrots can be purchased for about $1 to $1.50. Cheese can cost about $2 to $3, depending on the brand
Crompton recommended store brands, including H-E-B products, as another way to keep grocery costs down
Families can also save money by making some foods at home. Crompton demonstrated homemade hummus as well as a chocolate mousse made with avocados, bananas, almond milk and honey
He estimated the ingredients for the dessert at about $2 to $3
For families trying to stretch their grocery budgets, Crompton said choosing inexpensive staples and preparing food at home can make it easier to put together nutritious school lunches without spending a lot
Crompton offers nutrition education to students and families through the San Antonio Food Bank’s Culinary Health Education for Families program
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