We ask parents that work at restaurants or stores to ask those businesses for us and we call businesses and ask for specific items. We've never been able to get a whole meal out of a business, but if you call them, you might be able to. The best we have done is discounts at pizza places, hot dogs from Sam's, buns from the day old bakery, ketchup from McDonald's, mustard from Sonic, chips from Frito Lay. I can't speak for all places but it is a lot of work here and a lot of people on the phone, so get started as soon as possible.

I'm gearing up for our first ever staff luncheon the week before Christmas break. We're a brand new small school and are on a tight budget.
For those that have gotten food donated, like simply mom greatly did, can you share the particular restaurants that have made donations easier?

Make 'em brown bag it - the ingrates- my kids do- heck I do

Morale smoral.... do your job I'd tell 'em.... then good thing might happen for them

Good thing I'm not on the moral booster committee


Teaching does not entitile them to perks - students learning and a PAYCHECK is their reward

[ 11-04-2006, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

I understand how you feel about the ungratefulness. We were able to purchase a new copier that is sorely needed. They have been complaining this whole year about waiting to use the copier. Instead of being thankful, our teachers are complaining about where to put it, and we need this type of copier, etc. I'm ready to cancel the order and do strictly kids things, like playground stuff, and AR books and programs.

Maybe I'm just frustrated with my own teachers right now, but I don't think many teachers have the gratitude they should have over things like this. If you want to cut the food budget in order to provide more things for the kids and your membership is in agreement, do it. If teachers don't want to eat food prepared by parents, then they don't get to eat. If they want catered dinners, inform them you will have to cut expenditures on teacher supplies in order to provide that. Where does this entitlement attitude come from?? Sure morale boosters are great but not if you have to shortchange the kids and families in order to provide catered meals.

momof3, this is a long standing issue with lots of groups. I don't think food for staff should be at the top of a budget or even take up a major percentage, but I do think it is a major moral booster and is a great benefit. Some schools can afford major meals, we never could. We also don't have the parental support to get food brought in or the local business support for that matter. This year we asked teachers if they wanted the meals at conferences and most of them said no because they prefered to use that time to go out with their coworkers that they never get to eat out with. We do a nice meal for Staff Appreciation Week. Last year the PTO paid for supplies and the 2 available parents made 70 boxed lunches and delivered them personally to the staff member. This was a huge hit and it cost very little. We have also had events where PTO pays for something like potatoes and the staff bring additional items for a potato bar.
I undestand why you would be frustrated by teacher complaints, I would be too. This is one of those issues that can only be resolved within your group. You may want to consider surveying your teachers for their thoughts.