Food Portions

[gbcc]

I need to double check with everyone. I made a full pound of speghetti. 5 children ate all of the speghetti plus they had bread and butter to go with it. Two of them keep whining an hour and a half later that they are still hungry. The one boy always complains that he's hungry so I'm not too concerned but I want to make sure I am giving enough. Both children are the only ones not playing also and watching TV.

My family will come over and a pound will feed 4 adults with plenty left over.

[laundrymom]

What did you serve with it? And how much per child. I would go with fp guides and remind them snack is coming. Then engage them in an activity. I offer seconds possibly thirds but not almost 1/4 pounds pasta plus sides per child.

[marniewon]

I would think a pound of spaghetti would be more than enough for 5 kids! Unless they are teenage boys, they shouldn't be hungry after all that.

[gbcc]

The food guide lines is only like a cup of pasta plus sides. So they had way over the recommendations!

One is an 8 year old boy the other is a 9 year old girl. Like I said, the 8 year old boy is always hungry. His mom said he eats two full pieces of chicken for dinner plus seconds on sides. I will not feed that much. I can't afford to feed that much. I know mom is going through a hard time at home and it accured to me that he may not be eating at home but again, I can't afford to make up for it. I don't get reimbursed through the food program. I gave mom numbers to pantries but thats all I can afford to do.

[Pammie]

Considering one pound of pasta yields about 8 cups of cooked noodles - I would think that would be more than plenty to feed 5 kids.

According to food program guidelines:
Serving size of pasta for ages 3-5 is 1/4 cup cooked noodles, and for ages 6-12 is 1/2 cup cooked noodles. Included in a meal with fluid milk, a fruit, a vegetable and a protein - should be an adequate meal.

I find that especially my s/a kids will complain that they are "hungry" when they are simply bored...especially on days when school is out.

[gbcc]

Thanks! I really thought it was more than enough but wanted to double check! I don't want to starve anyone nor did I want my income going to snacks and meals !