Business of Well-being

How to Save on Healthy Foods for Your Employees

The workplace has shifted exponentially in the last decade. This has changed the way employees work, with more emphasis on company culture and focusing on the importance of health and work/life balance for the benefit of employees and the company. Unfortunately, one thing that hasn't changed much is the food that's offered: the office kitchen has always been a minefield of doughnuts, pizza, and muffins, and for many companies this is still the case.


Unfortunately, not only is it challenging for your employees to make healthy food choices in this environment, but many people are focused on living a healthy lifestyle now and want healthy alternatives in the place where they spend 40 hours of their time each week. If money is the reason you've yet to start supplying healthy food options to your employees, use these tips to save on the foods your employees want, making them happy and keeping your finances intact.

Take Inventory Before Ordering

Before shopping, always take an inventory of what you have. Employees' preferences change all the time, so they may eat all the granola bars one week, and then not touch a single one the week after. Instead of having one list to work with every time you shop, update it each week so you're not buying (and therefore spending) more than is necessary.


Smaller companies can also get away with buying new foods as employees request them. Have a Google Sheet that's checked once a week, where employees can request a new snack or let the food shopper know when something is gone or running low.

Adopt a Healthy Vending Machine Policy

If you already have snack machines, negotiate with the vending companies to increase the number of healthy options available. You can also change the pricing of the healthier foods to be less, promoting people to buy more.


While you might think people want junk food in a vending machine, a recent Northwestern University study found 90 percent of Chicago park-goers were satisfied with new healthy-option-only vending machines that were installed.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can be significantly cheaper, especially when it comes to office groceries. If you're stocking the office with healthy snacks, look to buy nuts, dried fruits, granola, protein bars, fruit and vegetable juices, individual Greek yogurts, canned soup, dry beans and lentils, all of which are often cheaper in bulk.


An executive business membership at Costco is a smart way to buy in bulk and save even more thanks to member savings and discounts. In addition, Aldi offers the most discounted items compared to a number of grocery stores nationwide. Look for this grocery store, or others that were found to offer the most discounts, including Publix and Walmart, for maximum savings.

Arrange Healthy Potluck Lunches

If your company doesn't have a cafeteria, consider hosting potluck lunches where everyone contributes at least one healthy food item. Designate one day a week, like Fridays, where people bring something to be shared with others.


To make it more fun, and encourage employees to have fun with their cooking, pick a theme for each potluck-Think: Mexican, Spanish, Italian and more-You buy the decorations, they make the food.

Hire a Corporate Wellness Agency

If you don't have the time to design and manage the implementation of a corporate wellness program, including bringing healthy foods into the office, there are plenty of wellness companies that can make that happen. Take advantage of discounts or any resources they might be able to offer you in regards to bulk ordering or food items.


These are just a few of the many ways you can provide affordable food for your employees. In addition to these ideas, check for online coupons and corporate discounts and deals before you buy. Your efforts won't go unnoticed and your employees will be happier and healthier.

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About the Author

Jessica Thiefels has been writing for more than ten years and is currently a full-time blogger. She is also an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Certified Fitness Nutrition specialist, and the owner of her own personal training business, Honest Body Fitness.


She's using her experience from writing, editing and marketing to help people get healthy and learn to love what their bodies can do. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for health articles, new workouts and more.

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