When I used to work outside the home, I nearly always brought a lunch. It's too expensive to eat out every day, and defeats the purpose for which I was working.
My Man started bringing his lunch most days about 4 or 5 years ago, when the economy tanking was getting really bad. He used to buy breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria at work every day, and I had to point out to him how much it was costing. The kids and I don't go out to eat every day, so he realized the savings. Also, I'm a good cook so he usually has something yummy to show off to the other guys.
My children only get school lunch once or twice a week or less. Not only are the school lunches not that great, but they can bring whatever they want and save the entire family money by making and bringing home lunch.
We are one of only 6% of the people in our district who pay full price for lunches for the kids (the other 94% get "free" or reduced cost lunches, and most of them get it every day. How damn hard is it to make a sandwich, throw in a juice box, some cookies and a piece of fruit for your kid from time to time?) But, also, all the lunches are subsidized somehow by the state and the district, so we do our part by paying full price and only occasionally buying school lunch. I also like to think it is instilling a sense of responsibility in my kids.