Planning meals for a large group can sometimes be a challenge. Please consider these 6 simple steps when planning your team meals.
Key 1: Have Enough Food
Consider the number of athletes you will be serving and use this number to determine the amount of product you will need to purchase. A general rule of thumb is ¼ lb. of beef per person.
Key 2: Budget Resource for the Entire Season
Consider your allotted budget and the number of meals you will provide.
For Example: Our school was allotted $1,000.00 for the purchase of beef. We will have 5 beef meals. This means each meal will average approximately $200.00. You will then consider the number of people you are feeding, the amount of beef product in pounds, and cost/lb. to help make your purchasing decisions.
If you choose to cater, please remember that allotted dollars can only be used for the purchase of beef. All itemized receipts must be filed and turned in with a final expense report at the end of the season.
Key 3: Know the Space You Will Be Serving In
Consider the space and environment in which you plan to serve the meal to ensure ease of flow and service. Is it outside, at a picnic table, in a lunchroom, on the bus, or in a restaurant? This will all be a factor in meal planning.
Key 4: Confirm Your Support Team
Volunteers. Who do you have helping you? Assign volunteers to specific roles. They can include anything from purchasing, preparation, serving, to cleanup. Create a sign-up sheet at the beginning of the season in which parents/volunteers can sign-up to help. Make sure you have every meal date and times needed on the list. See the Build Your Base Team Meal Schedule Template.
Key 5: Communicate and Confirm Helpers
Contact all volunteers 3 days prior to each meal to confirm that they are still willing to help. This will give you time to replace them if someone cancels.
Key 6: Review, Assess, and Plan to Improve
Review the successes or failures of each team meal upon its completion to determine if changes or revisions need to be made prior to the next one.