A mum has complained that packed lunches are “sad” and “suck all enjoyment out of life” – something which hasn’t gone down well with the parenting community.
In a post on Mumsnet, she described feeling deflated on a recent trip to a theme park when her friend produced sandwiches she’d made at home – she’d expected to buy food from the outlets in the park.
“I was grateful for the time, effort and money on her part, but couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed,” she wrote. “What’s the harm in buying food out? I can’t help but feel sad when I see families on a day out sat on a bench eating (warm?) sandwiches wrapped in foil”.
The decision to take a packed lunch on a day out could be based on many things – dietary issues, fussy eaters, healthy eating – but for most, it’s likely to be financial. Getting a whole family into these places costs a lot of money, and food out tends to be pricey.
Sure, there’s something appealing about the “in for a penny, in for a pound” approach, but that isn’t an option for everyone – something respondents to the thread pointed out.
“We can only afford trips to the zoo, etc, because we take a packed lunch with us,” wrote one. “Just because you can afford the extras it doesn’t mean everyone else can.”
“Bought lunches at days out are often marked up 300%,” commented another. “Such a waste of money. Just because you can afford something, doesn’t mean you should pay their overinflated prices.”
Others suggested that saving money on snacks and lunches during the day meant there was money for souvenirs or going for a nicer dinner afterwards.
[Read More: A week of packed lunch ideas your kids will love]
Commenters were also keen to point out the advantages of packed lunches, arguing there are nicer options than “warm foil-wrapped sandwiches”. “There is nothing better than a lovely homemade picnic,” wrote one. “The cheap and nasty fare found at theme parks doesn’t compare to a homemade sandwich made on fresh sourdough with butter, nice ham, ripe tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, a generous dollop of mayo and a twist of black pepper.”
Another wrote: “A picnic outdoors at a time you choose, with food you like, without having to traipse around checking out the cafes and standing in a queue for ages for overpriced, often substandard and less than healthy food, is a far better option.”
Some people did agree with the original poster, though, describing carrying a packed lunch around a theme park all day as a “pain in the arse” – and buying food there as “part of the day out”.
But of course, the real problem with packed lunches is eating them 30 seconds after leaving the house, then carrying empty plastic containers with you all day long. We’ve all been there.