The work lunch and inflation

The state of the economy is affecting the work lunch.

More people are brown-bagging it these days. Sure, bringing your own food has always been more economic and often healthier, but if you’re anything like me, by the time you get the kids’ lunches made and things ready for the next day, the last thing you want to do is decide what you’re going to feel like eating the next day.

OK, maybe that is just me.

But, restaurants are feeling the squeeze and lunch business is down. Lunch can be an important part of work socialization, and some companies are even subsidizing employee lunches.

I’m not one to give advice on bringing your lunch to work because I’m not very good at it, but we’re all probably going to need to economize in some way on work lunches, at least for the immediate future.

I think I’ll start by stepping up my surveillance of other departments in the building to see if they’re having free food or a party or something. If I’m diligent, I may be able to cover my lunch 1-2 times a week, but I may have to sign a lot of birthday and retirement cards.