> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guide.worshipbuddy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Meals Management

> Manage meal periods, menus, and crowd counting for event meals

# Meals Management

Organize event meals: meal periods, menu items, cost tracking, caterer export, and crowd meter links.

## Setting Up Meals

1. **Event Dashboard → Logistics**
2. Enable **Meals** under **Enable Services**
3. Open the **Meals** sub-section

## Meal Periods

Click **Add Meal Period** and configure:

* **Name**, **Date**, **Start Time**, **End Time**
* **Location** (optional)
* **Capacity** (optional)

Edit or delete via controls on each period card.

<Info>
  There is no manual **Record Attendance** / **Mark Attendance** UI in the meals dashboard. Use **Crowd Meter** for live line counting at meal service.
</Info>

## Menu

Each meal period has a **Menu** section:

1. Expand the period
2. Click **+ Add Item**
3. Set item name, description, and dietary tags

## Crowd Meter

Each meal period includes a **Crowd Meter** section with links to:

```
/crowd-meter/?org={org_id}&event={event_id}
```

Use **Open Crowd Meter** (top of Meals section) or per-period links to count people in meal lines. See [Crowd Meter](/ChurchBuddy/Day-to-Day/crowd-meter).

## Export for Caterer

1. Go to **Logistics → Meals**
2. Click **Export for Caterer**
3. Choose **CSV** or **JSON** in the confirm dialog

Includes meal periods, menu, and registrant dietary data for kitchen planning.

## Best Practices

1. Create all meal periods before the event
2. Add menu items with dietary tags
3. Share Crowd Meter links with line volunteers
4. Export for caterer before large meal services

## Troubleshooting

**Crowd Meter not loading:** Verify org and event IDs in the URL.

**Export empty:** Ensure meal periods exist and registrants answered dietary questions on the registration form.