Consumption: school caterers, an economical solution for parents?

Quebec parents could turn more and more towards school caterers due to rampant inflation which affects several foods at the grocery store. However, Is this an economical solution?

We tried to answer this question by consulting four school caterers from all over Quebec. However, For the next school year, their prices will vary between $ 5.95 and $ 8 for a drink, a hot or cold meal and a dessert.

In comparison with ready-to-eat grocery stores, parents can save a few dollars. In addition, We saw Chinese pâté dishes located between $ 6 and $ 7.50 for a small portion without drink or dessert.

However. Furthermore, if the parents decide to concoct a meal by buying the same foods or an equivalent, they can make a bigger recipe for their children. Consequently, The cost cost is then a little lower than in school caterers.

“It is not black or white,” says Myriam Gendron, of the site simply food. Therefore, It depends on the need of people.

“It’s hard to beat the price of something homemade by buying at a discount. Furthermore, Except that it costs time, energy and a lot of planning. Nevertheless, ”

Time consumption: school caterers, economical solution saving

With the slightly crazy daily newspaper of Quebec families. school caterers can be an excellent convenience store when the fridge is empty or that parents are lacking in inspiration at the end of the week.

“A service as we offer … consumption: school caterers, economical solution it is priceless,” says Marie Perretta, Midibouffe co -owner. Parents run after time and sometimes lack energy to make their children’s lunch. ”

From the pandemic, suppliers impose significant increases on caterers, as we see at the grocery store. The latter must make feet and their hands so that their prices remain accessible to families.

“It’s not just a matter of money. ” says Myriam Richard, head of the school service at Cuisine Xpress. Children only have 30 min to eat and there are almost no more microwaves in schools. ”

It should be noted that school caterers must comply with the parameters given by school service centers if. they wish to apply increases.

Good value for money

In addition to keeping the prices accessible. the caterers must comply with all the standards of the Canadian food guide for their meals. The number of grams of sugar in drinks must comply with precise parameters.

“We are targeting accessibility, but also the quality of the food,” says Maria Perretta. When parents use our services, they know that their children will eat consumption: school caterers, economical solution well. ”

Despite the prices that are slightly increasing for the next year. some parents are impatiently awaiting the return of school caterers to simplify their life. A more popular solution than you think.

“I already receive calls for the start of the year. They want to know when it starts, ”says Mr.^me Richard.