business
Lunch dilemma: Is it cheaper to pack your own or buy it? An economist examines the cost
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 21, 2026
· 2 min read
With grocery and restaurant prices both climbing, millions of workers face the same daily question: Is it cheaper to pack a lunch or buy one? The latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows grocery prices are up 2.7% over the past year. The cost of eating out has cl...
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, KXXV (ABC 25) News Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 21, 2026 Indexed here Jul 22, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Bureau of Labor Statistics shows grocery prices are up 2.
Why this matters in The Waco
In Waco, where many residents commute to jobs in the city or surrounding areas, the decision to pack a lunch or buy one can have a significant impact on household budgets. With the cost of living in McLennan County already a concern for many families, the rising prices of groceries and restaurant meals can be a double whammy. For workers in Waco's downtown area, the options for buying lunch may be plentiful, but the prices can be steep, making a packed lunch a more financially attractive option. However, as economist Peter McHenry notes, the decision is not just about money, but also about nutrition, relationships, and other factors. As Waco's economy continues to grow and evolve, residents will need to make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources, and considering the true costs and benefits of packing a lunch versus buying one is a crucial part of that process.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With grocery and restaurant prices both climbing, millions of workers face the same daily question: Is it cheaper to pack a lunch or buy one? The latest Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows grocery prices are up 2.7% over the past year. The cost of eating out has cl...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 21, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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