I have been a nanny for over 10 years. There has always been a discussion regarding food when I interview, however, I find that most families do not follow through. I have learned that I have to bring my own food, and if I don't, I am going to end up eating pasta or rice. It would be nice for employers to realize (especially the ones with small children) that we are at their homes all day and packing a breakfast/lunch/snacks is just not always possible, and it is really tough when your nanny has to end up spending $10-15 a day on carry out food, or eat your left over/reject food because they can't make it to a restaurant or store. There are few things nannies need to really be happy, some food and beverage choices are nice.

I'm not a nanny but I would personally go by the whole ''My home is your home'' -- I want the nanny to feel as comfortable and welcomed as possible when caring for my kids but at the same time I don't want her to get too comfortable and think the perks are her rights (vs privilege)

I'm sure a nanny will only eat so much and I would let her help herself so long as my steaks go untouched and I still have food when I get home.

when we eat it

We always offer food to all nannies. They are welcome to eat what we eat But you must be clear. I plan our meals and groceries accordingly, so I cant have the nanny finishing the sliced turkey, its budgeted.
I have found that many nannies (and cleaning ladies) have taken advantage of us in the food department. Perhaps we are too generous. Things as simple as sugar and bread. My family of 6 takes a week to go through 2 loaves of bread, 12 eggs and a tin of canned milk, our last nanny finished that in a week herself. We have learned to ask them to buy things that they really like and welcome them to eat what we eat.

I've only been asked to provide my own lunch once. I upped my pay to allow for that. I however do both at most of my jobs. I'm kind of picky about eating things so I don't expect to be catered to.

God, can we not have this debate again.....

Some nannies expect lunch, some don't. Some employers provide it, some don't. If you don't want to provide lunch let the nanny know.

There is however a difference between not providing lunch, and banning her from household food. I find the latter to be a really rude thing to do to someone who is in your home all day.

We do not provide lunch for our nanny, she brings her own.

Anonymous wrote:providing food is common. I've been offered food in Every nanny job I've had. I've been a nanny for almost 10 yrs.

This.

providing food is common. I've been offered food in Every nanny job I've had. I've been a nanny for almost 10 yrs.

Whether or not providing food is common doesn't matter. It's irrelevant.

Perfectly reasonable to ask the nanny to bring her own food. Just make sure she knows it. And yes, it would be nice to keep drinks she likes or some fruit/veggies on hand.

No, providing food is not at all common.

"You can absolutely ask the nanny to bring her own lunch (I do), but it is thoughtful to say she can help herself to snacks (a piece of fruit, a handful of chips, etc.) between meals. No need to give her an allowance unless you're asking her to take the children out to eat (in which case you should pay for her lunch as well). "

agree although apparently providing food is pretty common so make sure nanny is aware of your intentions.

You can absolutely ask the nanny to bring her own lunch (I do), but it is thoughtful to say she can help herself to snacks (a piece of fruit, a handful of chips, etc.) between meals. No need to give her an allowance unless you're asking her to take the children out to eat (in which case you should pay for her lunch as well).

This is what we do as well.

You can absolutely ask the nanny to bring her own lunch (I do), but it is thoughtful to say she can help herself to snacks (a piece of fruit, a handful of chips, etc.) between meals. No need to give her an allowance unless you're asking her to take the children out to eat (in which case you should pay for her lunch as well).

We are part of a share and the share will be hosted at the other family's house. We are vegetarian and the other family eats meat but are super health conscious - no snacks, no soda. Can we ask the nanny to bring her own lunch? Or do we pay her a weekly lunch allowance and ask her to store food at the host family.