A packed lunch of a sandwich, fruit, drink and snack costs about $3, while a fast-food combo runs $8 to $14 and a sit-down lunch with tip averages about $18.
Peter McHenry said that makes bringing food from home the clearer choice for workers focused on saving money, even as both grocery and restaurant prices keep rising.
U.S. consumer data show grocery prices up 2.7% over the past year, compared with 3.4% for eating out and about 3% for fast food, so the relative gap may not shift dramatically.
McHenry said the decision still involves trade-offs beyond price, including time, nutrition and workplace relationships, especially for workers choosing between eating alone and joining coworkers out.
The next CPI report is due Aug. 12, while diners looking to cut costs this week can tap Restaurant Week deals in downtown Norfolk.