Pass the mashed potatoes by Quinn

In a previous article I wrote about food waste in America even as 7 million Americans are reported as food insecure. 

I occasionally feel food insecure, but not in the real sense. My experience comes from fugal relatives and friends. Have you ever had dinner with family or friends and been afraid to take a reasonable portion of the food? I can’t imagine what some hosts are thinking. 

I was at a holiday dinner and when the turkey being passed around got to me only a wing was left. We have one relative who regularly serves a meal for six that might feed two. Better hope you are not at the wrong end of the table. 

I’m not a glutton, but I do like to take my mashed potatoes with serving spoon, not teaspoon. 

To make matters worse there is always someone at the table oblivious to the situation who loads his plate like it’s his last meal. Some children like to think of themselves first as well. I recall often telling our young children to “leave some for someone else.” I rarely hear that these days although maybe the parent is texting them at the table. 

There is the other end of the spectrum too. Connie is there. We had our family of 23 home yesterday and disposing of the leftovers will be a race between our ability to eat them and spoilage. Connie had a idea, ask each family to bring one of their holiday favorites. I lost my argument to coordinate the request – we have a pie and two cakes sitting on the kitchen counter – Connie made desert too. 

So, if you are hosting, forget frugality, the loaves and fishes isn’t going to work in your house. If you are a guest, assess the table before diving in, especially if your spouse is at the other end of the table.