Quote Originally Posted by playfelt View Post
Problem with parents sending lunches is the kids are too young to understand that one kid get a granola bar for snack and another gets orange wedges and another gets pudding. They are also too young to unwrap, open containers etc so you still end up doing part of the prepping anyways. Also unless it is sandwiches every day the parents may be expecting you to warm the food so by the time you zap five lunches in the microwave it is easier to make a meal and serve it to everyone. And it means deductions from taxes.
As someone said parents would expect to pay less so for all the hassles you are going through in helping out with the meal you are getting no money for it. Also since it isn't common for parents to have to send the meals you would likely lose out in getting kids as parents would consider it too much hassle to deal with everyday and go to someone that provides meals.

Where I am in BC most daycares don't provide meals and I actually have a firm nutrition policy which ensures parents prepare the meals before sending. I.e soup in a thermos, cut up oranges etc. Being licensed we have many guidelines we have to follow in preparing the food as well. So at this point it's easier to tell the parents they must follow the Canada food guide and bring lunches. It works great for me, I wouldn't do it any other way. Then again it's the norm out here and I have done this from the beginning.