Update on Food Program

[jenn]

I know, it is hard. As providers it seems there are always those areas that really have no right or wrong answers and we just have to chose the one that causes the least amount of stress to us.

Either you term over food and risk the financial loss or you're flexible about allowing parents to provide their own foods and risk the chance of having a parent be dishonest or forgetful.

I wish I had better advice about it but I don't. I know which solution works best for me but that doesn't mean that's what is right for you too...kwim?

Maybe you could talk with your food program rep and she would know better how to handle it and let you know what all your options are.

This can't be the first situation like this for them, seems modified diets are pretty common now days.

Atleast that way, you know you researched all your avenues before making any drastic moves such as terming.

What we agreed to is...Mom will provide formula/milk, 2 snacks per day and lunches. Everything she brings will be store bought and sealed when it arrives at my house. Any "leftovers" will be kept and my house and I will let her know when I am running low on something. This way I know that they did not alter the food in anyway and I will always have extras on hand if needed. She signed the formed my licensing person suggested. I feel comfortable with this and so does she. We'll see how it goes!

[Maria2013]

How does the food program have any say on how you conduct business with a client? If you added an additional $10 a week for "supplies" in your contract with that family, why would USDA have any right to tell you not to?

this is something I wonder too, if a child is not enrolled, how can they set rules?

[Blackcat31]

What we agreed to is...Mom will provide formula/milk, 2 snacks per day and lunches. Everything she brings will be store bought and sealed when it arrives at my house. Any "leftovers" will be kept and my house and I will let her know when I am running low on something. This way I know that they did not alter the food in anyway and I will always have extras on hand if needed. She signed the formed my licensing person suggested. I feel comfortable with this and so does she. We'll see how it goes!

That is great! I am glad you were able to reach a satisfactory agreement between the two of you....it is always best for the child when the parents and provider can work together!

Keep us posted as to how it goes. It definitely sounds like you have your bases covered!