Originally Posted by Core12:
Hi friends!
How much do you spend per week on groceries for the daycare only? How much on supplies? How many children do you watch? Are they over 2 yrs old?
Does anyone use meal apps to configure costs?
Also, has anyone researched or have a low cost meal plan that I can see?
Thanks so much!!!
I spend $100-$150 per month on groceries for the dcks. All groceries are organic and local when possible and the bulk of the expense is on fresh produce. I provide morning and afternoon snack - parents provide their own child's lunches.
Supplies like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, cleaning solutions and wipes are purchased as need about every 2-3 months at Costco and I spend about $100 each time.
I have 6 dcks all are 2+ years old.
I have used Plan to Eat in the past and liked it for menu planning but it did not track cost (not sure if it does now as I have not used it in a long time). I no longer offer as much variety so there is no longer a need to menu plan for the dcks.
Our snacks are on a weekly rotation so every Monday the dcks have the same thing, every Tuesday is the same, etc. it helps me to avoid waste and creates a nice rhythm for the kids.
Since I have a preschool program I spend about $100-$150 on materials for that.