Can't Decide Whether or Not To Provide Lunch

[melilley]

Last year we enrolled our son into a private Kindergarten. There were basically 2 in our area that we could afford. One has a kitchen and serves hot lunch - the other does not.
We liked both the schools equally and in the end went with the school that served lunch.
Lunch service in the end, was the reason we went with that school.
Others may not mind - but I hate packing lunches

Ugh, I'm with ya on not liking to pack lunches! I love it when dd chooses to get lunch at school!

[Meeko]

I average around $1000 per month on the food program. Sometimes less (December was $940 due to some closed days), but sometimes more.

It doesn't cost me near $1000 a month to feed the kids. I buy in bulk and turn a profit even on low months.

The parents love not having to pack food (forget food ) and like the idea I am inspected by the food program and that their kids get fresh, healthy meals.

I like the idea that I have fed the children a good portion of their daily meals. If their parents fill them full of junk...so be it. At least I know that they are being taken care of here.

My food monitor is a total sweetheart and I enjoy her dropping by.

[Starburst]

I'm a small home daycare. Five kids max at a time. I provide all food so I don't have to deal with forgotten lunches or having what I consider garbage food sent in. Plus, I prefer that the kids all eat the same thing so there's no squabbling over who has what and who wants it.

Not to mention for all you know that might be the only nutritious and healthy meal they are exposed to regularly if their parents let them eat junk at home.

[kscott51306]

I run a child care ministry and we have about 40 kids on average. We provide morning and afternoon snack. The parents provide lunch. We do have refrigerators and microwaves.
We spend between $100-200 on groceries each week. It fluctuates depending on whats on the menu for snacks.
We do have a couple parents that wish we served lunch but I would have to raise prices.
You have to take into consideration, do you have a kitchen that is up to par, money to staff it? Room for all the extra groceries?
Good luck.

[jenn]

For me, it is easiest to provide the lunches. My state regulations allow parents to send lunches, but they have to meet the guidelines set by the state. They would have to send a Meat or meat alternative, 2 servings of fruit/veg (or 1 each each), a bread or grain, and milk to drink. I am required to have 2nds available if needed, so they would have to send extra of everything in case their child wanted more. If someone did not send the correct things, I would be the one in trouble, not them. Instead of monitoring each lunch to make sure they meet the guidelines, it is simpler to just provide the food.