A mum-of-12 has divided opinion after sharing how she fed her large family on holiday - by ordering three takeaways in one day. Alicia Dougherty and husband Josh are no strangers to a large food shop, with twelve children.
But the family of 14 raised eyebrows when they revealed how they indulged during a trip away. The couple, from New York, documented their holiday to Ocean City on their popular YouTube account, Dougherty Dozen.
Introducing one video, mum Alicia said: "Here's what my 12 kids ate today, day one in Ocean City. We got Dunkin' Donuts and fruit for breakfast. McDonald's for lunch."
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And the voiceover is accompanied by snaps of the family's mammoth orders, plus a box of doughnuts they were gifted.
Alicia continued: "I stocked the vacation rental pantry with snacks and fruit.
"And burgers, fries and tots from Tony Beef for dinner and the kids grabbed something from the freezer for dessert, bon appetit!"
A follow up video, documenting day two of the trip, and daughter Harlee's fourth birthday, again featured lots of takeaway food.
The family's orders included donuts and cake for breakfast, pizza at Harlee's birthday party, and a seafood spread for dinner, followed by Key lime pie and more cake for dessert.
Both videos polarised viewers, with some stunned by the group's choices, while others were quick to defend the family.
One commenter asked: "Why buy all those grocery if your eating out?"
A second wrote: "They are so wasteful."
But one person replied: "Even if she doesn't finish it, who cares! It's their money to waste. And with 12 kids, I highly doubt it won't be eaten."
And another supporter said: "It’s super impressive how you manage everything! I hope u guys have an awsome vaca!"
Parents Alicia and Josh are no strangers to the spotlight, as they regularly share videos from their day-to-day life, leaving people impressed by how they manage the chaotic life of a family of 14.
In a series of videos filmed last year, when the family were 12 in size, Alicia shared how she spent £876 on her weekly food shop, which included 25 bananas and 191 packs of chips.
The lovebirds also speak candidly about their journey as parents.
After spending nine years struggling with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, the pair decided to adopt from foster care.
To their surprise, they later discovered Alicia was pregnant, and over the years their family has continued to grow, as they welcomed more biological kids alongside children who needed a home.
Explaining what it is like to have a family of 14, Alicia said: "It is not always easy, but it is always worth it."
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