Visiting the Madison Children’s Museum just got even better with the MCM Lunchbox, a one-of-a-kind cafe designed with families and little ones in mind. Located conveniently on the first floor, right as you enter, the Lunchbox offers a stress-free dining experience with a heartwarming “pay-what-you-can” approach. It’s the perfect spot to refuel during your museum adventure and ensure even the smallest visitors, your Little Johns, stay happy and energized.
How the Lunchbox Works for Families
Grabbing a bite at the Lunchbox is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for families with busy little johns. Here’s how it works:
- Self-Serve Selection: Choose from a variety of pre-made meals and snacks available in the self-serve cooler. There’s something for everyone, even picky eaters.
- Easy Warming: If your chosen meal needs warming, easily use the provided microwave. Clear instructions are on each label, ensuring food is heated perfectly. Remember to check the temperature before serving to your little johns, as meals can get hot!
- Pay-What-You-Can System: This is where the Lunchbox truly shines. Head to the payment tablet or cash box and pay what you can afford. There are no set prices – it’s perfectly okay to pay nothing, a little, or a lot.
- Enjoy and Tidy Up: Find a table, enjoy your meal with your family, and when you’re finished, simply clear your table, dispose of any waste in the marked bins, and wipe down your area for the next family.
A selection of meals and snacks in the Lunchbox cafe cooler, ready for families to choose from and enjoy at the Madison Children's Museum.
The Beauty of “Pay What You Can” for Little Johns and Their Families
The “pay what you can” model at the MCM Lunchbox is built on trust and community spirit. You won’t find any prices listed, encouraging you to assess your own ability to contribute. This system ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access nutritious and delicious food for themselves and their little johns.
Payment is flexible, with options for credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and cash. If you are able to pay a bit extra, your generosity directly supports the cafe and helps keep it running for everyone. If finances are tight, please know that you are welcome to eat without paying – ensuring your little johns are well-fed is the priority. Everyone, especially every child, deserves access to good food to fuel their play and learning.
A Welcoming Cafe Space Designed for Families with Little Johns
The Lunchbox cafe is thoughtfully designed to be a welcoming and practical space for families visiting the museum. It’s exclusively for museum visitors accompanied by children, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. You’re also welcome to bring your own food to enjoy in the cafe, offering even more flexibility for families with specific dietary needs or preferences for their little johns.
By using the cafe respectfully – using tables only while eating and cleaning up after yourselves – everyone contributes to maintaining a pleasant and accessible environment for all families and their little johns to enjoy.
Support the Lunchbox and Nourish More Little Johns
The MCM Lunchbox operates on the principle of community support. Because it’s okay to pay nothing, a little, or a lot, the cafe relies on the kindness of individuals, local businesses, and foundations to keep its doors open and its coolers stocked with healthy options. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that the Lunchbox remains a vital resource, providing nutritious meals to all visitors, especially the countless little johns who visit the Madison Children’s Museum each year.
