I recently became an emergency foster mom

[crazycat4226]

Hi All, I recently became an emergency foster mom for a 13 yr ol young man. Everything is going well, except I am having difficulty keeping up with his endless appetite. I am used to shopping for one (me), now, it's like shopping for four. Would love hints,, other than using coupons for groceries, on how to stretch a dollar. Thank you.

[AzariahsMother]

Stock up!

[IreneCarroll]

BUMP

[OBImomma]

Shop the deals/ads.

[lillybug222]

High protein & fruits & veggies!

[OBImomma]

I make a lot of my kids snacks. Rice krispie treats (or whatever healthy cereal I can get the cheapest), jello and pudding (I put them in 1/2 cup containers), fresh veggies (its cheapers if you buy the ones you cut up youself than the pre washed), fresh fruits (whatever's on sale), air popped popcorn and the butter spray and his favorite seasoning.

I bake cookies and freeze them in sandwich bags. That way when we want some cookies I just pull them out of the freezer.
My kids are only 4&2yo but my sister's like these snacks too and they're 20,18,12&10.

[crazycat4226]

Thank you all for the "hints". I will try each and every one of them! 

[aom1112]

My mom was a Foster parent when I was a kid and started doing it again. We have a couple of kids that are pretty big. One of them would sneak to the fridge in the middle of the night once or twice to eat when he first moved with us. We were told we had to make sure he lost weight. And since he was eating enough for 4 people him self my mom makes sure he drinks a glass of milk, water or orange juice before each meal. He now eats enough for 2 kids.

[joanandgene]

Make a big pot of brown rice and let cool.  Then to hot frying pan add sliced onion, celery, garlic and any other veggies that he likes you can also add chicken, hamburg or shrimp,  add the rice back to the pan to heat through, add soy sauce and or fish sauce and serve.

[barefootmommi]

Try the frugalista group they always have great suggestions

[sassymomntx1961]

Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so he has something cold to drink at all times and its healthier.I learned this in another group to have him drink a glass of water 30 min before eating.It wakes up the internal organs and helps w/ digestion.Have him eat foods w/ high protien cause it helps him get a full feeling in his belly that last longer and quicker.If there are activities that yall can do w/ him outside like basketball,jogging,swimming that will help him stay busy.He may have underlying reasons why he wants to eat all the time and I would check that out to rule them out.You could also play board games,wii/internet/comp games to pass the time.You could even talk to him and get to know him.There could be numerous reasons why he is eating so much not just hungery. Good luck.