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We don't send anything for my daughter. For a while we were sending a snack to go with lunch that we were sure my picky 3 year old would eat, because he was waking up screaming after his nap and we thought he might be hungry. We did that for a few weeks and then phased it out when he switched classes and he has been fine.

I never send a lunch and my LO always eats at least some of what is served, even if she wouldn't eat that item at home. Peer pressure can be a positive thing.

DS can have snack items like pouches or granola bars on hand just in case and we don't have the option to send our own lunch, but he apparently eats way way better there than at home. Even with things I know he wouldn't eat at home! The second week they said 'oh he loves beef stew!' And I looked at his teacher like she was insane. Just last week she said he loved whatever sandwiches and ate three at lunch! Again, I'm pretty sure I've never seen him eat more than half a sandwich at home. I would just do the lunch they serve, maybe keep a pouch or two in her cubby for emergencies and she'll probably surprise you with what she tries with the other kids.

@pinkelephant: at my DD1s first daycare, they provided all meals and it was awesome. I would send other stuff when she was just starting solids, but after that, it was so easy AND exposed her to things we didn't eat often Sometimes it was stuff that I wasn't super excited about, but mostly it was healthy stuff and exposed her to random things we don't make or eat often. They always had some sort of carb and fruit, so worst case she would eat those plus milk. But more often than not, the peer pressure got to her and she would at least try everything!

Now, if you know your LO is SUPER picky and would definitely not eat, I would consider sending stuff. But maybe give it a chance first?

Haha, I read this post as, "If your preschooler serves lunch." ... and was thinking, 'Wow!, those are some advanced kiddos!"

Our old daycare served lunch and my son who is finicky at home was apparently their best eater who ate everything they served - like everything. I was completely shocked and THEY were completely shocked that he was a picky eater at home. Peer pressure is great. If they serve a balanced menu you feel good about I'd say don't sweat it.

Echoing other posters. We don't send a lunch. They serve an AM snack, lunch and an afternoon snack. I am surprised every day by what he will eat at school (when there's peer pressure and/or limited choices). He always eats his veggies at school. Never eats them at
Home!