Personal Chef / Meal Prep contract template
A written service agreement sets expectations on menu planning, dietary safety, and payment before you're handling food (and often keys) in someone else's home.
Scope of services
Define what's included per session: menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, packaging/labeling, and kitchen cleanup — and whether groceries are billed separately at cost or built into a flat fee.
Dietary restrictions and allergies
Require the client to disclose all allergies and dietary restrictions in writing before the first session, and state that you're not liable for undisclosed allergens or the client's failure to update this information.
Menu approval and substitutions
Explain how menus are proposed and approved, and your policy for ingredient substitutions when something isn't available at the store.
Schedule and cancellation policy
State session frequency, your cancellation/reschedule notice window, and any late-cancellation or no-kitchen-access fee, since groceries are often already purchased.
Kitchen access and food safety
Document how you access the client's kitchen, expectations for a clean, functional workspace, and your food-safety practices (labeling, storage temperatures, use-by dates on prepped meals).
Liability and insurance
Note whether you carry general liability and product liability insurance, and clarify that responsibility for food safety ends once meals are properly stored per your labeling instructions.
Payment terms
Specify session rate or per-person event rate, grocery reimbursement method, due date, accepted payment methods, and any deposit required for events.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Consider having a local attorney review your final agreement.