@sozobe,
Probably more of a where-you-live thing.
Our coaches, and the coaches and parents of the kids I know, are unpaid as well.
The pool of money collected for the sport includes outings such as this. I know this is how it is done even at the community centers I've volunteered at : those kids and families can't even afford the fees, we raise the money so that those things can be done.
It doesn't ease up time at all. That's not really the point. It takes more time and effort overall, but it's just something I am familiar with.
I can think of some organized sports tho, now that I think about it further, where it's not done. Through churches, for one, where moms provide snacks.
It makes sense. I just find it interesting how so many posters chipped in - I didn't realize this was the norm. That's all.