We start with a trial session to make sure it’s a good fit. You'll complete a short questionnaire about your dietary needs, preferences, and goals, and we'll create a customized menu. On your scheduled trial day, we shop, cook, package, label, and clean up – all in your home. If you decide you'd like to continue after the trial, we would move forward with a monthly agreement to reserve a recurring weekly spot on a designated day.
How does the process work? How do I get started?
Pricing is based on an hourly service fee (4-hour minimum) plus the cost of groceries. Most clients invest between $300–$600 per weekly session, plus groceries, depending on the number of meals, household size, and menu complexity.
How much does the service cost?
Customized menu planning, grocery shopping, in-home meal preparation, portioning, labeling, packaging, and full kitchen cleanup.
What is included in a typical meal prep session?
Private chef meal prep is a personalized service where we come directly to your home and prepare customized meals for you and your family. We handle menu planning, grocery coordination, cooking, portioning, labeling, and kitchen cleanup, leaving you with a fridge full of fresh, ready-to-eat meals for the week. Unlike traditional meal delivery services, every menu is tailored to your dietary needs, preferences, and goals.
What exactly is private chef meal prep?
Curious about something? We're here to help! Here are the top questions we often receive from our community.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Most clients receive 10–25 meals during a standard session, depending on the complexity of the menu and number of dishes prepared.
How many meals can be prepared during a session?
We serve the greater Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Largo, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, Riverview, and surrounding areas. If your city is not listed, please reach out directly, as we may expand our service area.
What areas do you serve?
Nope! Many clients provide access and return home to a fully stocked fridge. If you prefer to be home, that's perfectly fine too.
Do I need to be home during the service?
Most meals stay fresh for 4–5 days when refrigerated. Many dishes can also be frozen for longer storage.
How long do the meals stay fresh, and can they be frozen?
Yes! Every meal is labeled with simple reheating instructions to make mealtime as easy as possible.
Do you provide reheating instructions?
Most clients schedule weekly services, though some choose biweekly meal prep depending on their needs.
How often do clients typically schedule services?
Of course. You can request favorite dishes, recipes you've seen online, or allow us to create a menu based on your preferences.
Can I request specific meals or recipes?
Clients typically provide containers, but we can discuss container options if needed. All meals are labeled with the dish name and reheating instructions.
Do you provide containers and meal labels?
If you decide to continue after your trial session, we reserve a recurring weekly spot with a simple monthly agreement.
Do you require a contract or recurring commitment?
Abby is the owner and founder of Vida Foods and oversees all client accounts, menu planning, and communication. Depending on scheduling and availability, your meal prep sessions may be completed by Abby or another member of the Vida Foods team. No matter which chef is assigned, you'll receive the same personalized service and customized meal experience.
Will Abby be my chef?
Yes! Many of our clients have multiple household members with different tastes, goals, or dietary restrictions.
Can family members each have their own menu selections?
Absolutely! We regularly accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, high-protein, vegetarian, allergy-friendly, and other specialized diets.
Can meals be customized for different dietary needs, preferences, or goals?
Groceries are billed separately from the service fee. Clients can choose one of three options:
A. We shop for you in person, and grocery shopping time is billed at our hourly rate.
B. We schedule a grocery delivery on your behalf for a small convenience fee.
C. We provide a detailed grocery list for you to purchase yourself at no additional charge.
Do you provide grocery shopping, and are groceries included in the price?
