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Originally Posted by 2manyks
under their bed or in their closet - where they want it. keep it full, all day everyday. crackers, grapes, m&m's, twinkies. sugar is a comfort food. everytime you see it getting low, fill it back up. eventually he will see that he is NEVER going to go without food again. the problem will get better. maybe not completely go away, but it will get better. never make an issue about it.
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Having previous counseling experience with children, I have dealt with this issue before with foster parents. I won't go into the underlying issues - but I also recommend creating a place your son can readily access. Depending on his weight and nutritional needs I would provide a container for him that he knows is his and fill it with (preferably) healthy food.
In my house we have a low kitchen cabinet which has been designated as my son's and which he can access as desired. We also have the bottom of the refrigerator which is his. I also set out food on the table - bananas, apples, etc. which he can have any time, and I keep his favorite drinks either in the fridge or one the table.
IMO your son needs to know that food is always there, always available - and HE is in control of his eating. I don't allow food anywhere but the kitchen or as a snack outside (obvious reasons - ants being one), but I do make sure there is no shortage.
It will take him some time. You may need to watch his weight and caloric intake - creating healthy food alternatives. We always keep apples, bananas, carrots, etc. handy and available. But I also let me son have however many cookies and such, just because for him they are not a big deal and he eats plenty of healthy food.
What has worked in the past for some kids I have worked with is exactly what 2manyks said. And when it becomes a non-issue he should be able to let it go. It will, however, first have to be a non-issue for you. Make sense?
JMO so take it for what it's worth. I hope you find what works for both of you.
Blessings to you,
CS