SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Stricter federal and state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes lower the number of students eligible for free school lunch. <\/p>\n
The most significant impact in the San Antonio area was at North East ISD, where 30 campuses lost the free meals program.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One option is a three-bean salad made with three types of beans.<\/p>\n
Crompton said beans can provide a source of lean protein while helping families cut back on foods high in saturated fat.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The ingredients can also be relatively inexpensive, he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Crompton recommended store brands, including H-E-B products, as another way to keep grocery costs down.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He estimated the ingredients for the dessert at about $2 to $3.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Crompton offers nutrition education to students and families through the San Antonio Food Bank\u2019s Culinary Health Education for Families program.<\/p>\n
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