I gave you hard data, how about addressing the point. My family eats oatmeal for breakfast 5-6 days a week, and I, at this point in life, earn a better than 6 figure salary. We make our own coffee and for the first 9 years of our marriage (yes with kids) did not have cable TV. You tell me why these "needy" kids can't eat a bowl of oatmeal in the morning ? You could even splurge and have eggs and toast a few days a week for another $5 (24 eggs at Costco are $2.50)  per week.