I claim $8 a day per child. My accountant has told me that if you claim over $10 per day per child then you will be flagged for auditing. I have no issue besides the hassle of it to be audited as I have proof to back it up. As long as you can back up your expense then go for it. You claim as much as it costs. I feed my guys organic food and nothing processed so it is expensive to feed them. My grocery bill for them and my family is about $1500 a month but that's what it costs. I buy organic whole grains in bulk which saves me a fortune over the year and serve copious amounts of fruit which especially this time of year is pricey. All veggies are fresh, never canned or frozen and my guys are all great eaters so no mouse sized portions. Lunch is $4 per child and each snack is $2 that's not that much money at all when I make a lasagne, serve fresh fruit and home made baked goods for snack time. On top of that the organic and abf expense. Think about it!