Support group fees

I was wondering if the support groups some of you go to charge fees for the meetings?

There are two different groups I hace access to, onbe where I work, one where I live, and one of them charges a fee. Is this common?

Every group I've ever been to or heard of is either sponsored by a doc or hospital, or is voluntarily funded without any meeting costs.

I attend three differnt support meetings a month...all at 3 different locations. I also attend a Saturday morning casual coffee get together meeting. None of these groups charge a fee.

Not sure if being charged a fee is common or not, but I certainly haven't heard of any support groups charging fees.

I've not attended a support meeting where a fee was charged.

Is it possible they are having to "rent" the meeting place, therefore charging a fee to cover the cost?

I go to one at a hospital and one with a local OH group.  Neither charges a fee.  Do you get something for your fee like planned meals with shopping lists or maybe samples each week of foods, protein or vitamins? 

I've never been charged a fee, other than parking (at a hospital).