‘It’s an investment’: Gee details why many are skipping lunch once a week
Nov 2, 2025, 5:02 AM
A recent survey revealed that Americans are spending more than $100 per week on lunch, up more than $20 from last year. The average weekly price Americans are spending on lunch is $108.68, which has caused many to skip lunch once per week.
KIRO host Gee Scott explained on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio that he doesn’t buy lunch; he makes it at home, but views today’s food prices as more of an investment rather than a treat.
“I love a good sandwich, but when a turkey club is $18 and a burrito costs $25 with delivery fees, it’s no longer lunch, it’s an investment,” Gee said. “Back in the day, when you went by McDonald’s, you’d ask your parents for it, and they’d say. ‘We have McDonald’s at home,’ I’m still that way.”
Ursula recalled a time when a low-cost, healthy lunch could be found just about anywhere, but today’s prices indicate those cost-efficient meals may be a thing of the past.
“Unfortunately, I’m still paying these prices because I’m not as good of a cook,” Ursula said. “I always bring up teryaki because it’s one of my favorite meals, and I remember when a lunch special was $5.99. Imagine what it would be like to get a lunch special of any kind for $5.99 anymore.
Watch the full discussion in the video above.
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.
