It is not just daycare. I live in Chicago and CPS is generally regarded as never closing for the simple fact that its the easiest way to feed children.
My school keeps sending my kid home with food for “supper” simply because they keep buying so much of it to act like a soup kitchen and they need to get rid of it all. I keep telling them not to accept it, but they apparently have no choice. It’s weird.
I don't have children but making them all take home dinner versus letting them choose isn't really a good idea because they don't necessarily make the best decision.