Feeding a large group of kids isn’t just about filling plates; it’s about creating consistency, comfort, and joy through every bite. At Sweeten Home, mealtime is one of the most meaningful (and challenging) parts of the day. With nearly 30 boys between our two homes, planning the weekly meals takes thought, strategy, creativity, and a genuine love for the kids we serve.
Where It Starts: Planning with the Kids
Each week begins with a simple but powerful question to the boys:
“What do you want to eat this week?”
We sit down together and talk through meals they enjoy, meals they haven’t had in a while, and what might make the week feel special. This isn’t just about preferences; it’s about giving them a voice, creating routines, and letting them know they matter.
From there, we work up a full menu: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even the occasional surprise dessert. We also take note of upcoming birthdays and holidays to make sure we celebrate with their favorite dishes. A birthday at Sweeten Home isn’t complete without a custom meal and dessert just for the birthday boy.
Shopping Smart for a Full House
Once the menu is built, we move on to the shopping list. That means writing down every single ingredient needed; down to the last spoonful of garlic powder. But it’s not just about writing the list; it’s about calculating how much is enough for two houses (one with 13 boys, the other with 8) without overbuying and wasting food.
We factor in pantry staples like milk, bread, lunch meat, boxed snacks, and condiments; plus everyday needs like eggs, butter, and cereal. Then, we do a full pantry and fridge inventory to make sure we’re not doubling up on things we already have.
Before heading to the store, we check local circulars and sales to stretch the budget. Once that’s done, it’s time to load up the van; and we mean load it up. The trip includes several boys, not just for help pushing carts and loading the car, but because they love being part of the process. Grocery shopping becomes another moment of life-skill building and shared purpose.
A Real-Life Example: Spaghetti Night
Let’s talk numbers; because this isn’t your average family dinner.
Big House (20 kids + staff):
- 5 lbs of ground meat
- 4–5 lbs of pasta
- 2 large jars of spaghetti sauce
- 3 packs of garlic bread
- 6 family-size cans of green beans
Smaller House (11 kids + staff):
- 5 lbs of ground meat
- 2–3 lbs of pasta
- 1 large + 1 small jar of spaghetti sauce
- 2 packs of garlic bread
- 4 family-size cans of green beans
And yes; we always adjust as needed.
More Than Just Food
What makes this process special isn’t just the organization; it’s the heart behind it. Mealtime at Sweeten Home is about creating safety, nurturing normalcy, and offering a little joy in every dish. These boys come from hard places, but around the dinner table, they can be just kids; with full bellies, warm smiles, and plenty of seconds.
Love you,
Frances
