Housings included, food will run you extra.
Thats the deal we make with presidents when they move into the White House.
The government picks up the tab for state functions, but when it comes to family meals, theyre on their own.
Groceries are delivered from various Secret Service-approved commercial suppliers, and household staff members fill in the basics with runs to butcher shops, supermarkets, and farmers markets, with a varied rotation for added security. Toothpaste, shaving cream, Tylenoltheyre added to the tab too. At the end of each month, the bills are tallied and submitted to Mr. and Mrs. Obama.
Past first families have opted to purchase groceries but to have their family meals prepared by the White House kitchen staffan executive chef, executive pastry chef, and four sous-chefs paid for with taxpayer dollars. The Obamas chose to bring in Sam Kass as their personal chef, and pay his salary themselves. Kass has been cooking for the Obamas since their Chicago days, and by now he knows their likes and dislikes so well that he rarely consults with them on menu planning. Hes also notoriously tight-lipped about their eating habits saying little more than we have very balanced meals, and that the family walks the walk with Michelle Obamas healthful food initiative for the country.
