They're at secondary and would love to have money on their "thumb" to be able to use the canteen and/or snack bars. So far I have resisted it on the basis that when they do have small amount to spend they spend it on junk but mostly that it seems like a huge amount of money. The recommended daily spend for a "meal" is £4, which for us means £160 pm on school food.
So, ATM, they take a packed lunch and I charge their thumbs with £20 per half term for emergencies and treats. They have to budget it and it's been a useful lesson - since DS2 spent his first lot in the first week, he's done much better!
Anyway, I've got a new job it's lots more money (c.£1000 pm extra) and lots more hours.
We get by fine but without much left over on our current incomes, so my extra money is for luxuries. Would you spend £160 of the extra on school lunches, to save the faff of making lunches, baking cakes etc for lunch boxes and chasing DC to bring their lunch box to the kitchen? Yes, I know they could/should do all that themselves but, at least in the early weeks, I don't need any last minute panics over who has/hasn't made lunch.
I've already arranged a cleaner and can see my extra money slipping away...