Need Help with Portion Size

**ktsmama** · 01-09-2011, 08:38 PM

Our Sunday school class is cooking supper for the local homeless shelter in a couple of weeks. We are having spaghetti and fixings. Does anyone know about how much pasta I should cook to feed 30 people? I don't want to make too much, but I surely don't want to run out, either.

Thanks!

**pollypurebred39** · 01-09-2011, 08:45 PM

Here's a link you might find useful.

I want to make spaghetti for 30 ppl.. I really need some help to figure out how much stuff to buy.. HELP? - Yahoo! Answers

What I have found is that when feeding the homeless/food deficient that they tend to really pack it in because they know it will be awhile till their next meal. If I were making it I'd think 1/2 pound per person (that's assuming you are not serving meat). Most homeless we have have served are men, and men are bigger eaters then women, in general.

**The Muse** · 01-10-2011, 03:55 AM

The guideline I've heard is 1/4 lb/person. But Pollly makes a good point, so I'd probably figure 1/2 lb/person in this case.

**Ramona** · 01-10-2011, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

Here's a link you might find useful.

I want to make spaghetti for 30 ppl.. I really need some help to figure out how much stuff to buy.. HELP? - Yahoo! Answers

What I have found is that when feeding the homeless/food deficient that they tend to really pack it in because they know it will be awhile till their next meal. If I were making it I'd think 1/2 pound per person (that's assuming you are not serving meat). Most homeless we have have served are men, and men are bigger eaters then women, in general.

Yes, 1/2 lb per person is my opinion, too, even with meatballs

**starsapphire** · 01-10-2011, 12:42 PM

4 - 5 lbs depending on how hearty you're making the sauce and if you're serving bread and salad on the side.

I used to be a commercial cook and feed 30 - 50 people a day.