Rate increases

[Secondtimearound]

I started out with the greatest of intentions of feeding nutritious , homemade meals . I made it a big part of my advertising as well ! But after spending months of throwing away and wasting food and money , I adjusted my menu plan .
I agree with you that you should inform parents of your changes , but my spin would be a newsletter with an upbeat theme ! Like due to raising costs instead of raising rates you will be keeping costs down by the following ...
I think parents understand and I think they will appreciate it !!
Very few kids are being raised on total organic foods ! I know most of mine are def not ! My homemade Mac and cheese was not appreciated in the least !! What did they want ? Yup gross kd !! My dd , who had never tasted kd until I served it here now asks , yours or the dayhome Mac and cheese ? Ugh !!
I think things change , people get that !

[bright sparks]

I am curious - do you know for sure that your families all eat only organic foods at home?

Here is my thoughts - when I first started my daycare I tried the healthy foods, followed the Canada food guide etc. what a crock!! Kids don't eat that much (my kids anyways). I was wasting so much food and half the time all the kids were fed at home was KD and hot dogs anyways!! (ok not really but you get what I am saying). I decided I wasn't going to stress so much over it anymore. We eat fruit/vegies for morning snack, sometimes yogurt. We eat basics like Noodles/cheese or meat sauce, grilled cheese, KD, hot dogs, hamburgers, pancakes, different sandwiches, pizza, sausage/hashbrowns, chicken fingers/fries etc. Sometimes I throw some vegies on their plates, sometimes I don't. Afternoon snacks are usually cookies, granola bar, pudding, rice cakes, popsicles (now that we can eat snack outside). Some days we have milk but most days it is just water. Heck today we had corn dogs for lunch (kids love them by the way!). I personally don't know how you have the time/energy to cook from scratch and in all honesty I am not a great cook to start with. I feed my family a great deal of produce (we juice and do a lot of smoothies). I try to make things homemade when I can but don't beat myself up when I don't. I have yet had any parent complain about what their child eats here and I don't have to fight with kids to eat what I serve for the most part. I actually never have any parents ask what we have eaten nor do I post it for them to see.

I just wonder if your families are taking advantage of the fact that you feed organic knowing the costs or do they actually buy it for themselves?

I'm sure you don't get any protesting when they are fed such high sugar, salt and fat foods but honestly while this is my opinion I don't hold it against anyone. I used to eat like that and it didn't make me a bad person, just not very healthy. I have never had a fussy eater in my daycare unless it is because a parent has fed junk food and the child has protested when in my care. That doesn't last long as healthy food and fresh food tastes so much better than processed foods. The Canada food guide is unhealthy and wrong, period, so if anyone follows that it is a disservice to the children. Get educated people, seriously!! I also don't feed the kids healthy food to please the parents I do it because it is undeniably what is best for the kids. I don't cook daily. I cook once every 9 weeks. I have a 3 week menu and with the quantity I cook per recipe it makes enough for each meal three times for a group of 5 good eaters. I tray everything up cook it, cool it and then freeze everything. Food comes out the freezer the night before and is reheated in the oven during the day for lunch. I am sure cutting out the organic and moving to conventional but still unprocessed will make a difference in my pocket but I pride myself on not serving processed foods and with just a little bit of time and research, cooking healthy CAN be affordable. It's all about priorities and personal preference. While others don't think it matters to eat healthy whole foods, I know it does.

[bright sparks]

I started out with the greatest of intentions of feeding nutritious , homemade meals . I made it a big part of my advertising as well ! But after spending months of throwing away and wasting food and money , I adjusted my menu plan .
I agree with you that you should inform parents of your changes , but my spin would be a newsletter with an upbeat theme ! Like due to raising costs instead of raising rates you will be keeping costs down by the following ...
I think parents understand and I think they will appreciate it !!
Very few kids are being raised on total organic foods ! I know most of mine are def not ! My homemade Mac and cheese was not appreciated in the least !! What did they want ? Yup gross kd !! My dd , who had never tasted kd until I served it here now asks , yours or the dayhome Mac and cheese ? Ugh !!
I think things change , people get that !

I like the idea of an upbeat newsletter as a way of informing people. I can't understand why you and other providers are wasting so much food. If the children are given no other option then they will eventually eat what is given and their taste buds will adapt. If after a few days of feeling defeat and giving the children crap instead, then of course things aren't going to change. Its like weaning all over again. Over my dead body will I feed any child KD. Pretty sure its not even real food

[bright sparks]

Hmmm, I want to just clarify that while this thread is about countering the fact that I cant increase my rates to reflect the increase in cost of running my daycare, and everyone has come up with some great ideas most specifically surrounding the cost of organic foods, I find myself feeling a little defensive to the comments people have made surrounding how unnecessary organic food is. I don't want to get into a defensive mode about this, but I already have lol....I feel strongly about the topic as I have taken the time to educate myself through multiple sources over an extended period of time. My choice to serve organic produce is an educated decision not one based on media hype one way or the other that it is good or a waste of time but actual fact based evidence.That's not really where I wanted this thread to go but such is life on a forum. I get that threads go in this direction but I want to just address that we can have completely different opinions about the organic produce as to whether it is worth doing or not but its irrelevant. It's about income and expenses so if I eliminate organic food its because I need to get my expenses down but does not mean that the kids do not need it or deserve it. I have made some strong comments regarding this which I won't apologize for, but hopefully knowing where I am coming from, those who do not see things the same can express things in a way to not criticize a choice that I made that is proven to be a good one. I try to comment with respect on here but understand that strong opinions can be interpreted on here incorrectly and I wanted to acknowledge this.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Bright.....I respect your decision to want to exclusively feed/provide organic food. That is entirely your choice. I have not done as much research as you but I have read some articles and know that there are some items that the experts say you can buy non organically and still be eating healthy. That is why I posted the link for you on page 3. I understand that you don't necessarily want to buy non organic items but out of a need to cut costs you may want to start with those. I was briefly reading an article last night on a study that found organic food isn't better in health and nutrients but obviously better in regard to pesticides and antibiotics. I didn't read the whole study though. As I have said before, I don't believe in needing to eat and buy organic exclusively but can for sure agree that there are benefits!! (health wise and taste wise)

I think everyone knows that eating lots of fruits and veggies, little to no processed food and making things by scratch is the best health wise but it's not always possible due to time and money. I think it's great that you are so passionate about eating healthy, I wish I had more of that ambition. I try my best to serve healthy foods but I don't stress if they eat "crap" once in awhile while in my care. (I know I should care more, especially because I am overweight and don't want them to get on the wrong track so early) but I try my best and at the end of the day, I am okay with that.

[bright sparks]

Bright.....I respect your decision to want to exclusively feed/provide organic food. That is entirely your choice. I have not done as much research as you but I have read some articles and know that there are some items that the experts say you can buy non organically and still be eating healthy. That is why I posted the link for you on page 3. I understand that you don't necessarily want to buy non organic items but out of a need to cut costs you may want to start with those. I was briefly reading an article last night on a study that found organic food isn't better in health and nutrients but obviously better in regard to pesticides and antibiotics. I didn't read the whole study though. As I have said before, I don't believe in needing to eat and buy organic exclusively but can for sure agree that there are benefits!! (health wise and taste wise)

I think everyone knows that eating lots of fruits and veggies, little to no processed food and making things by scratch is the best health wise but it's not always possible due to time and money. I think it's great that you are so passionate about eating healthy, I wish I had more of that ambition. I try my best to serve healthy foods but I don't stress if they eat "crap" once in awhile while in my care. (I know I should care more, especially because I am overweight and don't want them to get on the wrong track so early) but I try my best and at the end of the day, I am okay with that.

I hear ya. We have crap occasionally and love to eat out too and honestly I think that is fine as long as it isn't the bulk of a persons diet. I take issue with the kids eating processed foods while in my care because I don't believe it is what's best for them and goes against my principles of what childcare is about. We do have an occasional ice cream sandwich in the summer and pizza too but I try to think outside the box and make healthy versions too. Eating organic also guarantees non gmo which is where you will find that organic foods are much more nutritionally dense than conventional. There are certain foods that I buy organic not just for the spraying but also the gmo aspect. For example, almost 100% of corn produced in Canada is GMO. It is near dammed impossible to find organic corn in this country. I can totally back this info up if people wish. Research GMO's and it will scare your pants off. I'm not denying that they have for sure helped in hunger crisis' around the world but now we are dealing with the disastrous aftermath. It is a fascinating topic. Also the difference between the benefits of organic fruit and veg and then meat and grains is different. Organic meat is a big deal although chicken is not as big a deal because of the strict laws surrounding antibiotics and poultry in Ontario. All chicken in Ontario is ABF.

I am going to do a newsletter up as someone else suggested and am going to eliminate organic from my daycare. I am going to only buy conventional fruit and veg from the clean list and I'm gonna get over myself....still going to be a healthy minimally processed meal plan for the kiddos and at the same time reduce my expenses a little. Doesn't change my opinion on Organics but seems like the most logical place to start adjusting my business practices to put myself first.

[Fun&care]

This conversation has definitely gone a little off topic. I don't understand what is so difficult about serving healthy food. If you feel that food is being wasted because kids aren't eating then SERVE LESS. Then pack up the rest for tomorrow's lunch. Cooking from scratch is easy once you have a few recipes and you cook in BULK so you can freeze some for later. If the kids still won't eat what you serve then tough. Honestly as long as they are growing normally and there is no cause for concern it's on them whether they eat or not that day. I stopped caring about how much the kids eat but I don't think I see myself ever ceasing to care about WHAT they eat. I've had quite a few interviews too where ppl left their previous provider because they found out that she served KD and hot dogs...I cringe at the thought of serving foods like that to kids. And I don't even think that cost is as big of a deal as ppl make it yet it's always the first excuse they throw out there. And I certainly don't claim to be perfect either, I eat out and I love pizza too but that is only a small part of my diet.

[bright sparks]

This conversation has definitely gone a little off topic. I don't understand what is so difficult about serving healthy food. If you feel that food is being wasted because kids aren't eating then SERVE LESS. Then pack up the rest for tomorrow's lunch. Cooking from scratch is easy once you have a few recipes and you cook in BULK so you can freeze some for later. If the kids still won't eat what you serve then tough. Honestly as long as they are growing normally and there is no cause for concern it's on them whether they eat or not that day. I stopped caring about how much the kids eat but I don't think I see myself ever ceasing to care about WHAT they eat. I've had quite a few interviews too where ppl left their previous provider because they found out that she served KD and hot dogs...I cringe at the thought of serving foods like that to kids. And I certainly don't claim to be perfect either, I suppose we all have different views on food so to each their own but I felt I had to put in my own two cents.

I agree completely

[Lee-Bee]

I'm sure you don't get any protesting when they are fed such high sugar, salt and fat foods but honestly while this is my opinion I don't hold it against anyone. I used to eat like that and it didn't make me a bad person, just not very healthy. I have never had a fussy eater in my daycare unless it is because a parent has fed junk food and the child has protested when in my care. That doesn't last long as healthy food and fresh food tastes so much better than processed foods. The Canada food guide is unhealthy and wrong, period, so if anyone follows that it is a disservice to the children. Get educated people, seriously!! I also don't feed the kids healthy food to please the parents I do it because it is undeniably what is best for the kids. I don't cook daily. I cook once every 9 weeks. I have a 3 week menu and with the quantity I cook per recipe it makes enough for each meal three times for a group of 5 good eaters. I tray everything up cook it, cool it and then freeze everything. Food comes out the freezer the night before and is reheated in the oven during the day for lunch. I am sure cutting out the organic and moving to conventional but still unprocessed will make a difference in my pocket but I pride myself on not serving processed foods and with just a little bit of time and research, cooking healthy CAN be affordable. It's all about priorities and personal preference. While others don't think it matters to eat healthy whole foods, I know it does.

I wish I was organized enough to cook once every 9 weeks!! I used to cook in large batches and freeze but with the daycare now I don't really do that. My system is that today during afternoon nap I prep a meal which is tonight's supper and tomorrow's lunch. I also make tomorrow's morning snack which is omelettes, French toast or the like.

I am lucky in that all my kiddos eat healthy at home and started here at 12months so they eat what they are served (for the most part) without any tantrums. If they really don't want it they just eat the other foods out and deal with it until next meal. I'm sure this is MUCH harder if the kids start at a later age with different eating patterns set! I serve cabbage rolls, stews, roasts, lots of beans and lots veggies. I make a point of consistently serving the veggies that they may not otherwise be exposed to (that we also eat here regularly) such as eggplant, mushrooms, swiss chard etc. I figure if they are tasting it now and seeing it regularly they may be more likely as adults to choose to eat such foods even if they may not see them at home through the rest of their childhood (plus my daughter and I like it and eat it at lunch).

I do have a lot of wasted food...but that comes with having five 13-18month olds self feed. I give small portions and many seconds. I scrub the floor after each meal and yes, I will pick up the food they drop up and reserve it (to the child that dropped it). They lick the floor and toys anyways so why should food be thrown out if it briefly touches?

I might try and get my act together to do the big cook off days and freeze meals so I can free up some nap times. But...it is nice to make the food daily and have a good supper ready at the end of the day.

We eat out every Friday night since I don't have to have lunch prepared for the next day and as a reward of not having to cook that afternoon.

[bright sparks]

I wish I was organized enough to cook once every 9 weeks!! I used to cook in large batches and freeze but with the daycare now I don't really do that. My system is that today during afternoon nap I prep a meal which is tonight's supper and tomorrow's lunch. I also make tomorrow's morning snack which is omelettes, French toast or the like.

I am lucky in that all my kiddos eat healthy at home and started here at 12months so they eat what they are served (for the most part) without any tantrums. If they really don't want it they just eat the other foods out and deal with it until next meal. I'm sure this is MUCH harder if the kids start at a later age with different eating patterns set! I serve cabbage rolls, stews, roasts, lots of beans and lots veggies. I make a point of consistently serving the veggies that they may not otherwise be exposed to (that we also eat here regularly) such as eggplant, mushrooms, swiss chard etc. I figure if they are tasting it now and seeing it regularly they may be more likely as adults to choose to eat such foods even if they may not see them at home through the rest of their childhood (plus my daughter and I like it and eat it at lunch).

I do have a lot of wasted food...but that comes with having five 13-18month olds self feed. I give small portions and many seconds. I scrub the floor after each meal and yes, I will pick up the food they drop up and reserve it (to the child that dropped it). They lick the floor and toys anyways so why should food be thrown out if it briefly touches?

I might try and get my act together to do the big cook off days and freeze meals so I can free up some nap times. But...it is nice to make the food daily and have a good supper ready at the end of the day.

We eat out every Friday night since I don't have to have lunch prepared for the next day and as a reward of not having to cook that afternoon.

The big cook is a huge task for sure but I do not want to cook an additional meal daily on top of my family's dinner. Maybe because I cook everything from scratch its not like I ever just throw something in the oven from the freezer or a can so I just don't want to be bothered cooking more often than I need too. I am English so roasts and stews are also a regular meal item in my house too. I do a roast every cycle as its cheap to make it go a long way and that is the one meal that I usually have even more of so gets frozen for my meals too. I make curries, goulash and gumbo regularly as they are very popular once the kids pallets adapt. I think its great the approach you take with the veggies so the kids get exposed to all sorts of things. regular veg in our house are collards, swiss chard and spinach. I have a child with dairy allergies so I never cook with cheese now which sucks so I add collards into everything, and I mean everything, so they get more than enough daily calcium....they are actually a far superior source than dairy anyway. I bake loaves in bulk too and once cooled I slice and wrap individually in plastic wrap and just pull out what I need daily. My loaves are jam packed with whole grains, dietary fibre and fruit and veg. Having an egg allergy in the house also restricts my meals. Oh my goodness I can't believe the rapid increase of allergies and intolerances....did you know that allergies start in the gut? That is why it is SO important that we put good food into these precious children's bodies otherwise its going to keep getting worse.