FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many people will one dish serve?
2. This is a lot of food! Will it all fit in my freezer?
3. Do I have to freeze the meals?
4. I have a small household. Will The Full Plate work for me?
5. I really like this idea, but I don't have the time to get there this month? What can I do?
6. What is included in a dish?
7. I'm not a great cook. Can I assemble my own meals at an in-store session?
8. Can I adjust the recipes during an in-store session when I assemble my own meals?
9. I'm a vegetarian. Is The Full Plate for me?
10. How long will the meals keep in my freezer?
11. What if I forget to thaw my food before dinner?
12. How do I cancel?
13. How do I register?
14. Can I bring a friend to an in-store session to help me?
15. Can I bring my child with me to an in-store session?
16. Are you are member of the BizXchange Barter Network?

Q. How many people will one dish serve?
A. Ready-to-cook dishes typically serve 4-6 people, depending on their appetites. Ready-to-cook dishes can be split into smaller portions to serve fewer people. Heat & eat meals and Good to Go Program cooked meals come in one-serving and two-serving sizes.

Q. This is a lot of food! Will it all fit in my freezer?
A. Sure. Meals are packaged in disposable pans and freezer bags that are stackable and will fit into a portion of a standard freezer. Prior to your session, we suggest reserving at least 24" high x 11" wide x 11" deep of freezer space for 12 meals or about 16" high x 11" wide x 11" deep for 8 meals.

Q. Do I have to freeze the meals?
A. No. You can store your meals in your refrigerator, if you prefer. Or, cook them as soon as you get home, if you just can't wait! The refrigerator and freezer freshness dates are included on each label.

Q. I have a small household. Will The Full Plate work for me?
A. Yup. There is no minimum number of meals to order. And, each meal can be split into 2 containers, each serving 2-3 people, or 3 containers, each serving 1-2 people. Heat & eat meals and Good to Go Program cooked meals come in one-serving and two-serving sizes

Q. I really like this idea, but I don't have the time to get there this month? What can I do?
A. We'd be happy to assemble your meals for you. All you have to do is schedule a time to pick them up at our store. The fee for this service is $4 per family-sized dish. We also offer delivery to designated office and school locations for a flat fee of $5. Delivery is available to homes in the East Bay for a fee of $25.

Q. What is included in a dish?
A. Some menu items offer the entrée only, such as Citrus-Glazed Chicken. Other menu items include a separate main dish and side dish. For instance, the Turkey Meatloaf comes with Red-Skinned Mashed Potatoes. Still other menu items offer a complete meal in one dish, such as the Southwestern Lasagna. Refer to the menu page on this web site for more specifics.

Q. I'm not a great cook. Can I assemble my own meals at an in-store session?
A. Yes! We make cooking easier by developing great-tasting dishes with just the right ingredients. Each recipe station contains simple-to-follow directions and ingredients that are chopped and ready to go. Our kitchen staff is happy to help you and answer any of your questions.

Q. Can I adjust the recipes during an in-store session when I assemble my own meals?
A. ABSOLUTELY. Your spouse prefers his food spicy, feel free to add more jalapenos. Your 4-year son doesn't like green specks in his food, just leave out the cilantro. Our skilled staff can also help you adapt the recipes to suit your tastes.

Q. I'm a vegetarian. Is The Full Plate for me?
A. It sure is. Each month we offer a number of meatless dishes. In addition, we offer guidelines on several of our recipes so they may be adapted to satisfy a vegetarian diet. Refer to the monthly menu for dishes that are listed as "Vegetarian."

Q. How long will the meals keep in my freezer?
A. On the label that comes with each meal, we list how long that meal will last in the freezer. For optimal taste and texture, most meals should be frozen no more than six months.

Q. What if I forget to thaw my food before dinner?
A. Not a problem! Many of our meals can go directly from freezer to cooking, and many can be defrosted in the microwave. Each dish comes with at-home preparation instructions.

Q. How do I cancel?
A. Because we order your food in advance, we ask that you notify us at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled reservation in order to receive a full credit towards a future order. Or, with 24-hours notice, in-store session reservations may be converted to pick-up reservations for an additional charge. This policy allows The Full Plate to continue to offer you great-tasting dishes at a good value.

Q. How do I register?
A. Register online: Sign In/Sign Up; call your local store; or, register in person at your local store.

Q. Can I bring a friend to an in-store session to help me?
A. Yes, you are welcome to bring one guest to help you prepare your dishes, provided there is space in your session. Just send an email to customercare@thefullplate.com with the name of your requested guest at least one day in advance. Available guest spots will be awarded based on the timing of the request. We require that guests outside of your household register as a customer with The Full Plate without placing an order. This insures that the guest has agreed to our safety guidelines before participating in a session.

Q. Can I bring my child with me to an in-store session?
A. For your safety and the safety of the little ones, we ask that no one under the age of 8 years old attend an in-store session at The Full Plate. Each child must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Just send an email to customercare@thefullplate.com at least one day in advance to confirm whether there is space for one guest during your desired session.

Q. Are you are member of the BizXchange Barter Network?
A. Yes. To make a purchase using BizX, email customercare@thefullplate.com or call 510-482-1977 to place an order. Please provide your BizX account number. Alternatively, contact your BizX representative for a gift certificate. Gift certificates may be redeemed online when placing an order.

Have a question we have not answered here? Email us at: customercare@thefullplate.com.