I see the value to what Tom's blog said about the financial value but still decided to opt out of the food program. I provide homemade organic snack but I see value in parents providing lunches from home - it saves me time (grocery shopping and cooking), money and conversations with parents who have very different views on what is
healthy and balanced. Also I like the freedom to eat lunch at the park 2-3 times a week all year long, not always on the same days and I would feel annoyed having to notify the food program of that each time.
When I give parents tours I sell the value of them providing lunches:
- My time is not taken away from the dcks to prepare meals.
- Their child gets a mid-day connection to home and take a sense of pride and ownership in their lunch.
- Their child explores new taste at snack (provided by me) but then has something they know matches their taste at lunch.
- Our program provides weekly cooking class and daily organic homemade snacks.
Food seems like one of the largest expenses for most providers and by having parents provide lunch it is less expenses to begin with.