Unsavory Family

M., you have already gotten some wonderful advice, but I wanted to share just one other thought. Perhaps you could make very inexpensive meals with "stretch foods" so that your uncles will feel welcomed (extended families are wonderful things) and you don't break your budget. At Save A Lot, you can get a 50 pound bag of potatoes for under $8. They also offer bags of rice, beans and other "stretch foods". If your mom isn't working, she might be willing to help cook some meals that are a little more labor intensive so that you get a financial break and she gets to continue entertaining her brothers. If you need some meal ideas, let me know. I've gotten pretty good at feeding a large family on a small budget.

If you are able to have a rational conversation with Mom, explain to her that it is not in the budget to feed the family you have plus extra grown men every night.
If that fails, next time the uncles call to invite themselves over, tell them to stop and pick up some take-out along the way, or tell them they can pitch in for pizza when they get there.

I agree! Hide the food or chain the fridge (though that might be drastic). You can "hide" the boxed stuff in a bedroom or something. If your mom lives with you and its your house you get to make the rules. I would say if she doesnt like she can take her $$$ and buy them a meal. Good luck with everything! I am amazed that people behave this way!
S.

M.,

Incredible!! My sympathies! You need to become a VERY BAD COOK ASAP! Don't buy food and don't have anything available when they come. When they are agast, say you don't have money. It shouldn't take them long to stop coming around. Then you can start buying food again.

What is wrong with your mom???

I understand your mother's sense of hospitality but you need a frank talk with her about your situation. If she is pitching in on the cost of living she should feed them from her budget. They are her brothers. My mother had no concept of budgetting an income with a family. I've made it a point my children know what everything cost and how long I have to work to cover each cost. Perhaps your mother needs the same lesson.
As far as your uncles ,make only enough for you and your children. Explain you weren't expecting guest and would appreciate making plans in the future to have A dinner at a LATER date, that you work two jobs and would like some alone time with your children. Be firm, consistent, and respectful to your mother and uncles. Remember your children are watching and they love your family as well and learn from you how to act like a decent human being. This might will probably take a while for everyone to get the point since it's been going on so long, but you are strong enough being a single mom makes you tough.