How Food Arrangements Work
Before your placement starts, one of these will be agreed:
1️⃣ Client Provides Food
You may:
Eat meals together
Provide a reasonable weekly shopping list
Have agreed storage space
2️⃣ £50 Weekly Food Allowance
If food cannot reasonably be shared:
You receive £50 per week
Paid each Monday
Covers your main food items
It does not cover:
Alcohol
Luxury goods
Household items
If You Buy Shopping for the Client
If agreed:
Use client-provided funds only
Log every purchase
Keep receipts
Never mix with your own money
This protects you from safeguarding risk.
What To Do If…
The Client Refuses Agreed Food Arrangement
Contact your coordinator immediately.
Do not self-fund food long term.
You Are Asked To Pay For Client Shopping
Politely decline and contact the office.
You must not use your own funds for client expenses.
You Notice Financial Discrepancies
Report immediately.
This protects you and the client.
There Is Conflict About Food
For example:
Complaints about what you cook
Cultural sensitivities
Kitchen access issues
Contact your coordinator.
We can mediate and reset expectations.
You Feel Your Dignity Is Being Compromised
If:
You are restricted from eating
Food is withheld
You are criticised unfairly
Escalate immediately.
You have the right to adequate nutrition and respectful treatment.
Remember
Clear food arrangements protect:
You
The client
The organisation
Our CQC compliance
If unsure — ask before acting.