Optional lunch for school aged children

[MommaL]

I'm considering offering an optional "lunch to go" program for before and after school kids attending my daycare. For an extra fee, I would send a nutritious lunch with school aged kids each day. I'm hoping that parents who dread packing lunches for their kids or even those who just like the convenience of having someone else do it, will take advantage of this option.

I'm curious what I should charge on a daily or monthly basis to make and send lunch with the school kids? Obviously I want it to be worth the cost of food, but also my time. However, I don't want to be too much that it scares parents off.

Any suggestions of how much I should charge for this? Again, this would be on top of their regular daycare fees. Also, has anyone done anything similar and been successful with it?

[kindertime]

That sounds like a nice idea. I have no idea what you should charge, however. Do you currently have BAS kids? If so, just ask the parents if they would be interested. I would advise you to make it clear in the beginning that they have to contract for this service in advance. Because you know there will be one person who shows up Monday morning saying, "Here's $5, I need you to make his lunch today."

[MommaL]

That sounds like a nice idea. I have no idea what you should charge, however. Do you currently have BAS kids? If so, just ask the parents if they would be interested. I would advise you to make it clear in the beginning that they have to contract for this service in advance. Because you know there will be one person who shows up Monday morning saying, "Here's $5, I need you to make his lunch today."

I don't have any kiddies yet! I'm just starting out, but want to offer it as an additional service.

[flowerchild]

Maybe $5-6 per lunch? Depending on how much food you are packing. Or offer a discount if they pre-order for the month or something?

I agree with kindertime that you should require advance notice because there will be parents who will take advantage. Maybe ask for requests to be in before Friday noon for the following week? And if people are late or want same day service, double the cost in advance of the lunch being prepared.