I have to provide food for myself and my own two kids too but still enjoy not having to worry about making up food for daycare kids too. But the food part of daycare is what I dislike the most, it is something I do because I must (everyone has to eat!). Don't get me wrong, it is part of my parent policy handbook that no junk is allowed and it is of concern to me that the kids have a healthy diet, but I am fine with putting that on the parent to take care of. I make sure my own kids eat a balanced diet.

I haven't had any problems with kids being upset that they don't get what the others have, they seem to accept this pretty easily. Also, you get into a routine of dealing with an assortment of containers.

Last summer I would give a heads up on days that I wanted to have lunch outside, or just chose to do it on days that worked with what food was sent.