I have a child size eating table. So mostly food mess is there. My group has learned fast that even if they bring food from home the have to sit on that table to eat. Noone is allowed walking and eating. While they're ocupied playing I just wipe and sweep, usually right after snacks and lunch.

I have a child washing hand sink size right beside this table (so everyone washes hands before going to play and/or before meals.) It also helps to have in that section a disinfectant spray (labeled as daycare eating table and counter), and a small broom/dust pan and garbage in my cabinet. Also many, many tea towels and face cloths and bibs. All this just for this area.

All this helps my eating area stay spotless. It also helps me not to be wondering around home looking for cleaning stuff. Or children walking around with sticky hands. They learn the routine very quick, wait usually around our tiny sink to wash hands etc.