Is it reasonable to ask for an under age child to pay for food?

It's reasonable to expect an underage child with an income to kick in some money for the family expenses. This is part of growing up.

Perhaps she could help out, or help out more, with the menu planning and kitchen duty. It sounds like her parents are short of time and money. She should be doing some kitchen chores (cooking AND cleanup) already, because she will need these skills as an adult, especially if she has dietary problems. I have irritable bowel syndrome, so I have to cook most of my food from scratch, and it does help.

It's quite possible that her family thinks that she's faking the food issues. I've had people disbelieve me when I say that I can't eat raw onions, for instance, and make a big deal out of fixing something for me without onions. So your friend needs to show her family how she can eat better without causing too much disruption.

I know that if I were 15 and had a job, my parents would be so proud of me that the drive to and from work wouldn't be a problem (unless it was half an hour away or something, then they would tell me to find a closer job). But paying for gas at that age seems a bit much considering her part time job cannot be earning her that much money and the fact she is going out and working at such a young age is something to be proud of as many kids would be too lazy or irresponsible to do that. I think the dietary needs are something to be addressed. I understand the family may be poor and unable to afford healthy foods, but there are healthier alternatives to hotdogs and burgers all the time, that don't cost anymore to make. Spaghetti for instance is more nutritious than hotdogs and costs about the same amount ($1 for pasta,$2.50 or so for sauce, and around $4 for ground beef). I don't think the family has to change EVERYTHING they eat but swapping out processed foods for home cooked meals, even cheap meals, is still healthier than the alternative. To ask a 15 year old to pay for her own food is a bit harsh, as she is still a minor and still under her parents' guardianship. I think though it would be reasonable to make her pay for any "extras" such as a treat or something special that isn't a necessity.

IMO, her parents are being neglectful because they are clearly not caring for her needs. Regardless of her employment status, she's under the age of 18 and her family should providing her with a balanced, nutritious diet. With that said, her family does come across as ignorant because it's pretty common acknowledge that hot dogs are just plan garbage food. The fact that they eat that on a regular basis makes me think they have absolutely no clue about nutrition.

I don't know what will help your friends because she technically isn't being starved. As long as the family is providing something then it's not abuse in the eyes of the legal system. Maybe she can talk to the school nurse about programs in the community where she can get fresh fruit and veggies at a lower cost.

It's unfortunate, but I think your friend will have to buy her own food. It's a sad situation that in the year 2013 that some parents are poorly educated in healthy eating.

No, it is not really reasonable to ask the child to pay for their own food. But the family might have their reasons. I know plenty of people who do it to save money. "healthy" food is often expensive, harder to prepare, or both.

I personally go on a hotdog spree every now and then, but after a week or so I feel yucky. My daughter feels the difference after the second night. We mainly watch for the good stuff to be on sale and keep a couple packs of hotdogs and a couple pounds of ground meat in the freezer for tough times or for when we have a craving.

My daughter prefers fresh fruits and vegetables over canned. Which is great. But it can get expensive. When she gets a job I will probably have her buy *some* of her groceries too. (I am happy to stock up an apples and bananas. Even an occasional pine apple or bag of cherries is fine. But I can't always afford to get what she wants.)

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I think they are being unfair. Where I live 15 yr olds cannot get a job, so how is she going to pay for her own food? As a father I wouldn't want to have to explain to the doctor why my child is ill, so I would try to accommodate.

If this is the complete story then yes, it is very wrong. I wouldn't force my son who was allergic to fish to either eat it, do without or buy his own food. When the rest of the family ate fish I made him chicken instead. She could have a gluten allergy and a sensitivity to nitrates (which are in most processed foods). She needs to talk to her doctor about some testing so her parents will understand this is a medical necessity, not a whim on her part.

That's not reasonable, they have a legal obligation to care for their child if they're under 18, that includes feeding her, and taking care of her health issues.

No it is not reasonable. They need to support their kids and they need to do what is needed to make and keep them healthy.