Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about LunchUp's school lunch program, from getting started to managing allergies and everything in between.
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Getting Started
Is LunchUp free for parents?
Yes! LunchUp is completely free for parents and families. There are no setup fees, no annual membership charges, and no hidden costs. You only pay for the meals you order.
How do I sign up for LunchUp?
Getting started is easy! Contact your school's administration to see if they offer LunchUp, or encourage them to get in touch with us. We handle all the setup and training.
How far in advance can I place orders?
You can typically place orders up to several weeks in advance, though this varies by school and vendor. Most schools allow orders until 24-48 hours before the delivery date.
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Ordering & Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and debit cards through our secure PCI-compliant payment system. You can also use LunchUp credits from previous refunds.
Can I cancel my child's lunch orders?
Yes! You can cancel individual meal orders before the order deadline (typically 24-48 hours before delivery). Cancelled orders are automatically refunded to your LunchUp Credit for future use.
Can I order lunches for multiple children?
Absolutely! You can add multiple students to your account and order meals for each child individually. Each student can have different meal preferences, allergy requirements, and delivery schedules.
How does billing work for family accounts?
All orders under your family account are consolidated into a single payment at checkout. You'll receive one receipt showing all children's meals and any applicable taxes or fees.
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Allergy Safety & Dietary Restrictions
How does LunchUp handle food allergies?
We have comprehensive allergy management systems including detailed ingredient tracking, allergen labeling on all packaging, separate preparation areas for allergen-free meals, and staff training. Learn more about our safety protocols.
Can you accommodate severe allergies like anaphylaxis?
Yes, we work closely with families and schools to manage severe allergies. Our system flags high-risk allergies, ensures proper meal preparation, and provides clear labeling.
What dietary restrictions can you accommodate?
We accommodate various dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and halal options (availability varies by vendor and location). Special dietary requirements can be noted in your child's profile.
How do I update my child's allergy information?
You can update allergy and dietary information through your parent portal at any time. Changes are immediately reflected in all future orders and communicated to relevant vendors and school staff.
What if there's an allergic reaction to a meal?
While our safety protocols minimize risks, if an incident occurs, contact emergency services immediately if needed, then report the incident to your school and LunchUp. We investigate all reports and continuously improve our safety measures.
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Meal Quality & Nutrition
Are the meals healthy and nutritious?
Yes! All our vendor partners follow nutritional guidelines and provide balanced meals with appropriate portions of protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Meals are designed to meet children's dietary needs and energy requirements.
How fresh are the meals?
Meals are prepared fresh by approved local vendors following strict food safety standards. They're delivered in temperature-controlled packaging and arrive at schools just before lunch service to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
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School & Fundraising
How does the school fundraising program work?
Schools earn revenue from each lunch sale through our fundraising partnerships. The funds go directly to school or home and school council to supporting school programs, equipment, and activities. Learn more about fundraising opportunities.
How much money can schools raise through lunch programs?
Revenue varies by school size, frequent and participation rates, but our partner schools typically raise $8,000-$15,000+ annually. Some larger schools with high participation have raised over $200,000 in a single year.
What's required from school volunteers?
Minimal volunteer involvement is needed! Typically 1-2 volunteers (parents or senior students) can complete distribution in most schools. Meals arrive pre-sorted by classroom with clear labeling.
How does meal distribution work at school?
Meals arrive individually labeled and grouped by classroom. Volunteers or staff distribute meals during lunch period. The process typically takes 10-15 minutes for most schools.
Can schools customize their lunch program?
Yes! We work with each school to customize their program based on their specific needs, preferences, and constraints. This includes vendor selection, menu options, delivery schedules, and fundraising goals.
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Technical Support
I'm having trouble logging into my account. What should I do?
Try resetting your password using the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page. If you continue having issues, contact our support team at help@lunchup.ca.
Can I use LunchUp on my mobile phone?
Yes! Our platform is fully mobile-responsive and works great on smartphones and tablets. You can place orders, manage your account, and view order history from any device.
How do I update my contact information?
Log into your parent portal and navigate to 'Account Settings' to update your email, phone number, address, and other contact details. Changes are saved automatically.
What browsers are supported?
LunchUp works with all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend keeping your browser updated for the best experience and security.
How do I get help if I have other questions?
Our support team is here to help! Contact us at help@lunchup.ca or reach out through your school's administration. We typically respond within 24 hours.
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly support team is here to help you get the most out of LunchUp's school lunch program.
📚 Helpful Resources
Explore our comprehensive guides to learn more about LunchUp's services and features
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Program Guide
Complete information about our school lunch programs and how they work.
Learn more →
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Fundraising
Learn how schools generate revenue through our fundraising partnerships.
Explore options →
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Safety Standards
Discover our commitment to food safety, allergy management, and quality assurance.
About us →