How Meal Prepping Can Save You Money (and Sanity!)
Celebrating National Meal Prep Day with Smart Tips for Preschool Teachers
Let’s face it—being a preschool teacher is a full-time job and then some. You spend your days pouring love, patience, and creativity into tiny humans. By the time you get home, the idea of figuring out what’s for dinner can feel like another exhausting task.
Enter: meal prepping—your new best friend in the battle against overspending and dinnertime stress.
On this National Meal Prep Day, we're sharing how this simple habit can save you money (and your peace of mind), one packed lunch or pre-cooked dinner at a time.
Why Meal Prepping Works for Your Wallet
Reduces Takeout Temptation
After a long day of classroom chaos, grabbing fast food is tempting—but the cost adds up quickly. Prepping meals ahead of time gives you a ready-to-go option that saves both money and calories.Cuts Down on Grocery Waste
When you plan meals, you buy only what you need. That means fewer forgotten veggies in the back of the fridge and more meals made with intention.Maximizes Bulk Buying
Buying ingredients in bulk (like rice, beans, chicken, or frozen veggies) becomes a money-saver when you know exactly how you’ll use them for the week.Fewer Trips to the Store
Fewer last-minute runs to the grocery store = fewer impulse buys. (Looking at you, check-out candy bars.)
Tips for Getting Started
Start Small: Try prepping just lunches for the week. Make a batch of pasta salad, quinoa bowls, or wraps to grab-and-go each day.
Pick a Day: Sunday afternoons or Monday evenings are great times to prep. Make it a calming ritual with music or your favorite podcast.
Double Up: Cooking dinner? Double the recipe and save the extra portions for later in the week (or freeze for next week).
Use Clear Containers: Seeing what you’ve made in the fridge helps you remember to eat it. Bonus points for labeling!
Teacher-Tested Ideas
Breakfast Burritos – Make a batch, freeze individually, and heat up each morning.
Mason Jar Salads – Layer your favorite ingredients and keep dressing on the side.
Slow Cooker Soups – Throw ingredients in before work and come home to a hot, hearty meal.
Overnight Oats – A lifesaver for busy mornings. Add fruit, honey, or nuts for variety.
You work hard. You deserve meals that are affordable, nourishing, and one less thing to stress about. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to work for you. Small habits like this can make a big impact on your week, your wallet, and your well-being.
Want more tips like these? Stay connected with us for practical ideas and real-life resources by following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org for more help navigating personal financial challenges.