Food and Meal Arrangements

A common discussion by employers is about food. For employees it is often a perk of living on a station, in some cases with isolation it is a very necessary perk.

All employers are in a different position as to what they can supply.

Eating Arrangements:
Some governesses eat at the house 7 days a week
Some governesses eat at the house 5 days a week
Some governesses cook for themselves most days an just go over a couple of nights per week.
Some only have lunch over the house
Some only have lunch and tea over the house

I probably can name a dozen more eating arrangements that I have had over the last 15 years.

Personally I prefer to cook for myself from Friday night through the weekend. I also like to organise my own breakfast and be able to spend time in the schoolroom prepping.

Things that affect what they supply can be:
How they are employed (manager, stationhand, owner).
If their business is profitable (low or no profit in dry years or low prices)

What some people supply:
Some just supply meat that they grow
Some supply staples (bread, milk, meat, basic vege which they eat or grow)
Some just ask for grocery dockets and will pay those and claim it in their business
Some prefer to pay a higher wage and let the governess handle her own food

Just a few of the options but by know means the only option.

If you intend to supply some but not all food then I suggest you do a list for them of what you are willing to supply. If you are being brand specific then say so.

I believe the property should supply cleaning products. This ensures that there are no excuses for keeping the quarters clean.

Also if you are only looking to supply certain brands then have this on the list

What are you going to do?

I personally like to spend one meal or break with the boss so that we have time to communicate and develop our personal relationship.

The meal I like to head to the house for is lunch. At break time I usually spend it doing prep in the schoolroom. I prefer to have breakfast by myself as often I will sit checking emails at the same time. For tea time I am happy to either cook for myself or go over the house 4 to 5 nights a week. I would never go over for 7 nights as it is good for the kids to have time with their parents as a family without me.

When looking at what you are willing to supply break it down to meals.

Breakfast – Will you supply a breakfast option?

Milk
Cereal
Bread
Marg
Spreads such as vegemite, honey, etc.
porridge

Lunch and dinner – If they are cooking for themselves then what will you supply?

Meat
Station grown

• Mince
• Chops
• Diced meat
• Snags
• steak

 Shop Meat

• Sausages
• Mince
• Chicken
• Diced meat

Vegetables & Salads
Home grown

•  All

 Shop Bought

• Potato
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Beans & Peas
• Corn
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Tomato
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Capsicum
• Etc.

Other

• Flour
• Sugar
• Tea, milo and coffee
• Noodles and pasta
• Alfoil, bags, etc
• Salt and pepper

Stations don’t need to supply snack or treat foods and drinks.

Stations don’t need to supply anything required for special dietary requirements, as these can often be expensive out of the ordinary items.

Lists don’t have to be hard and fast but can be an example of things which you are willing to supply with a note at the bottom to ask about anything else.

Written lists are better than verbal arrangements as miscommunications are common.