Jesarey has some good suggestions. Among other things, I run some events and conferences. At adult events when we have a reception with alcohol where each person is only supposed to get one (or two) free drinks, that's exactly the way it's handled. Either we give out tickets or we use a stamp on their hand/namebadge. It works very well for controlling this type of thing.
For added fun, the "ticket" can also be a raffle ticket. In that case, you make them the size of a business card with spaces for name and contact (in this instance grade/teacher). At some point late in the event (when the've been redeemed) you could have a drawing with one or more winners.
You could try giving every guest at the event a ticket good for say two cookies and one glass of punch. If they've used their ticket they have to pay for extras. Or, since tickets are easy to lose you could do a hand stamp when they've gotten their goodies. Just an idea. Good luck!
We have a Sock Hop in the Fall. It's a great event where admission is free. In the past we have sold refreshments (popcorn, cookies, candy, water, juice) for nominal amounts.
This year, we wanted to make it a completely free Welcome-Back-To-School event. The coordinator is concerned about "regulating" the flow of food. How do we tell K-4 kids that they can only have 1 cookie?
Has anyone dealt with this? How have you successfully distributed free refreshments?
