Exclude non-contributors from buffet?

Whiteknight

Not sure if this would be the correct section but just looking for some opinions on the following scenario.

A group of people at the office I work at has had permission to hold a buffet for staff, this was for an event that has the potential to have a maximum of about 50 people attend. An email has been sent out to at least half these people advising that there will be a buffet and inviting them to bring in something for the collective buffet.

Potentially I can see a problem that everyone will bring in the same thing but what concerns me more is the fact that when I asked someone where the buffet would be as we are all supposed to be working on the actual day and have different lunch breaks.

I was told that the food would be kept on a desk near them so that they could make sure that those who had not contributed anything would not benefit.

I can see their point but wonder if this is really a good thing in an office environment.

your thoughts please?

midnightraven3

sounds like everyone should just bring their own lunch as normal really

i couldnt sit and eat if others were not, contributions or not
and leaving food out in an office isnt very healthy either:(

mogchops

When we have buffets in our office, a list goes round and everyone writes down what they are bringing, that way there is no duplication, and then everyone knows about it

LEJC

ive done these sorts of things before...but usually with scouts or cubs...a list goes round of suitable food to bring splitting it into approximate costs say of things that total about £2 or so...

so things like
ham sanwiches
cheese sandwiches
egg sandwiches...
crisps
cake
sausage rolls
everyone is asked to pick an item and those not able to do that are asked to contribute £2 in order that someone can buy or make items on their behalf

MyRubyRed

Check with the person who sent the email

NickyBo_2

Just wondering why an email has only been sent to half of the people (if I read that correctly). Surely that makes it even more likely people will get upset/offended, if they didn't even know this was taking place?
I'd speak to whoever is in charge of the buffet, sending the list around is a good idea, that way you don't end up with 20 people all bringing sausage rolls!

PootleFlump_3

I would just ask everyone for a couple of pound and get a caterer in and basically say if they havent paid towards it they cant have any (although if everyone not on board with the idea then it probably wont be much fun anyway!)

sethsgran

Another option is to make a list of the menu ideas, eg quiche, salad etc Then individuals can sign up for an item on the list or they can add something different if they have a dish that they use at home eg broccoli salad/fudge cake.

Definately don't exclude people, really not worth it and also who knows when they see how good it was some more might be willing to contribute next time

LJM

doesnt sound like a great work environment to me if half of your workmates are entitled and half not quite unfair, i personally too would take my own lunch as usual and leave them to it