This document discusses various aspects of meal management including definitions, importance, and preliminary essential elements. It covers topics like menu planning, types of menus, factors to consider when planning a menu, food purchasing, receiving, storage, and issuing. Menu planning facilitates evaluation, customer satisfaction and guides production. Types of menus include a la carte, table d'hote, party menus, and more. Factors to consider when planning a menu include nutrition, health, availability, and occasion. Purchasing involves getting the right products at the right time and price. Receiving ensures correct quantity and quality. Storage protects food from contamination according to guidelines. Issuing controls distribution of food into production.