Food allowence

I've just interviewd a helper who said she did not recive a food allowencd for her previous job but ate what was in the house with her employers. I would prefer her to get her own food and ocasionally share ours, as i mostly mess up the shopping and either buy too much or to little. Plus, what if she doesn't like what we eat? However she cooks so i could just leave everything for her to deal with but i do love shopping! Food shopping, not just stuff shopping....


So, if i offer her a food allowence how do we manage the shopping, eating, cooking? Also, if i agree with no food allowence, do i give her a higher salary or start with the basic one?


Just messed up with one helper so now i'm not sure how to deal with anything anymore.

Simply state that you prefer that she takes a food allowance, and then provide her with an opportunity to do her own shopping and cooking. Many helpers will do their shopping on their day off. This relieves you of the responsibility of having to prepare food for her, and also helps you manage your pantry. Of course when there is something to share, you can always do so.

Whether you give her a food allowance or not, I would start at the minimum wage and increase after 3-6 months based on performance. I would also make it clear to the helper that any increase in pay above and beyond the basic salary is for exceptional performance, and not a lay down muse every month.