^ What I do is I buy the maids their own bread and spreads, coffee, creamer or 3-in-1 coffee and put them in a place separate from the food of the family. For meals, we have the same ulam. The family gets to eat first. I buy just enough for one meal, hindi sobra-sobra. Kung may leftover, they can eat them on the next meal. Basta yung bagong lutong ulam, sa family ang priority. If yung lunch ulam niyo is the same as the ulam for dinner or vice versa, magsandok ka na sa isang container/dish ng para sa maid. Tell her nicely na ulam pa rin mamaya yung ulam ngayon so kailangan marami pang maitira para hindi na magluto ulit.
Regarding food reserved for the family, I always tell the maids na etong fruits, biscuits, chocolates, milk, [fill in the type of food], ay para sa kids lang, sa amin, etc. I make it a point to tell them nicely but firmly. Kaya nga, may food para sa kanila na pang-breakfast at merienda para hindi na nila galawin ang snacks ng mga bata.
My point is, hindi ko hinahayaan magpakasasa ang helpers sa food namin kasi may food budget din ako. Kailangan maimis tayong mga mommies. Basta explain lang natin mabuti at maging mahinahon sa pag-explain. It also helps to make lists and to do spot checks para alam natin kung anong laman ng ref at pantry.