business
Lunch dilemma: Is it cheaper to pack your own or buy it? An economist examines the cost
Summary by The Nashville Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group , NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· 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 Nashville Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Scripps News Group, NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) 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 Nashville
In Nashville, where the cost of living continues to rise, the decision to pack a lunch or buy one can have significant implications for workers' budgets. With grocery prices up 2.7% and restaurant prices climbing even higher, many residents may be reevaluating their daily spending habits. For those who commute to downtown Nashville or work in the city's thriving business districts, the convenience of buying lunch may come at a steep price, with fast-food combo meals ranging from $8 to $14 and sit-down lunches averaging around $18. In contrast, a packed lunch can cost as little as $3, making it a more financially viable option for workers looking to save money. As economist Peter McHenry notes, however, the decision ultimately depends on a range of factors, including nutrition, relationships, and personal priorities, all of which can vary widely among Nashville's diverse workforce.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 21, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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