I need your help with an experiment!!

Good Evening!
Over the last couple of weeks Jody and I have been doing an experiment to see if we can save money on having our kids bring homemade lunches.  The girls had been having school lunch for the past 3-4 months and it's been very nice because we don't have to shop for lunch food or make lunches which makes it easier.  I suggested to Jody, why don't we do a real test and see if having the girls bring their lunches from home would save money.  Jody's a terrific sport in trying to make things work that I suggest.

The first week we tried it.  Jody bought some lunch food and before we knew it Jody had spent $40 even before we had enough food for lunches.
The second week was similar and it seemed like in order to have lunch for 3 children with a variety it seemed to cost about $50.

We are looking for things our readers have done to keep the costs down for lunches and made it more cost effective than buying lunch.
What have you done to keep your lunch costs down and have you made a decision to feed your children school lunch or homemade lunch?

I'd like to get your thoughts on what you've done to feed your kids homemade lunches on less and still give them a variety.  Please make a comment in the comment section and let me know how you've beat the homemade lunch game.

Thank you,
Greg and Jody Roche
Be Frugal Live Wealthy