What 370+ Nurseries Love About Zebedees: Real Benefits for Busy Settings

14th January 2026

Running a nursery is rewarding but demanding. Mealtimes can be one of the most challenging parts of the day. Planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for dozens of children takes time, staff, and resources. Over 370 nurseries across the UK trust Zebedees to make this easier, providing fresh, balanced meals that children enjoy while supporting nursery teams.

Consistently Nutritious Meals

Nursery managers love that Zebedees menus are developed with input from our consultant nutritionist, Charlotte Stirling-Reed, to ensure they meet the dietary needs of young children. Every meal supports growth, learning, and wellbeing. Allergies, special diets, and food preferences are all taken care of, so staff can focus on children rather than complicated meal planning.

Saving Time, Space, and Resources

Many nurseries face tight kitchen space, rising food costs, and the challenge of paying staff fairly while keeping meals affordable. Zebedees removes much of this pressure. Hot, ready-to-serve meals are delivered directly to the nursery, saving hours of prep and reducing the need for extensive kitchen equipment. Staff can focus on caring for children instead of cooking, cleaning, or sourcing ingredients.

Variety and Engagement

Children benefit from a wide range of flavours and foods that help them develop healthy eating habits early. Zebedees menus are updated twice a year, keeping meals exciting and ensuring children are exposed to a variety of nutrients and tastes. This variety also reduces food waste and keeps children engaged at mealtimes.

Reliable Support for Busy Settings

Nurseries are under constant pressure from staff shortages, increasing operating costs, and unexpected challenges. Zebedees provides emergency support and flexible delivery options, giving nurseries confidence that every child will receive a balanced meal, every day.

A Trusted Partner for Nurseries

Feedback from nursery teams highlights the professionalism, reliability, and care Zebedees brings to every delivery. Beyond providing meals, they help nurseries manage costs, save staff time, and make the most of limited kitchen space. Over 360 nurseries rely on Zebedees to support their daily operations and ensure children are well-fed and happy.

Conclusion

For busy nurseries facing rising costs, limited kitchen space, and the challenge of paying staff fairly, Zebedees is more than just a catering service. They are a trusted partner, helping nurseries provide nutritious, delicious meals while allowing staff to focus on what they do best: educating and caring for children.

We love Zebedees - they take the stress of providing nutritional and tasty food to the children. The children (and staff) enjoy the meals that arrive hot and ready to dish.

Elaine
Manager at Little Cherubs

Hear from two of our nurseries on why they chose Zebedees and how our hot, lunchtime service has benefitted their setting.

Case Study 1
Why Choose Hot Lunches

I've been consistently impressed by the nutritional quality and variety of meals provided by Zebedees. Their menu choices reflect a thoughtful blend of essential food groups, ensuring our children receive a diverse array of nutrients vital for their growth and development.

Rocia
Manager at Park House Seahorse

We have been a customer of Zebedees for many years and this is simply because they are the best. They provide wonderful nutritious food for the children, their online ordering system is easy to use and they can cater for all our children's allergies and dietary needs. The team at Zebedees are fantastic, in particular Dawn always goes above and beyond. Thank you for everything.

Sharn
Group Manager at Snowdrop House

Our nursery has used Zebedees for the past 17 years. They have excellent customer service and any issues (and there have not been many at all) have always been dealt with promptly and efficiently. The delivery drivers always deliver the meals with a smile on their face. The food is delicious and nutritional and even our fussiest of eaters enjoy the dinners. We love Zebedees!

Genna
Manager at Tots & Time Out

We have been using Zebedees for nearly 5 years now, we opened up our nursery and they were very professional to cater for a smaller amount until we had a full setting. Zebedees are very professional, food is delicious and the children get very excited when they see our delivery driver. He has become part of the family.

Kirsty
Manager at Bright Beginnings