How old are the kids?

If I have kids who are still babies or toddlers eating baby/toddler food, then I'd give the sitter money to order a pizza (if not a young teen) or have things like canned soup and sandwich fixings on hand.

If the kids are eating something I'd eat, even if it's not my favorite thing to eat (e.g. mac and cheese, or chicken nuggets) then I'd have the babysitter eat that, or pick something from the fridge.

I wouldn't cook a whole meal for the sitter, unless I was cooking for the kids. I also wouldn't feel obligated to eat with the sitter.

Whatever you decide, just let the sitter know--particularly if she's coming straight from another day job and doesn't have time to stop somewhere. She'll need to know whether to pack something or not. just say "we're ordering burritos for the kids, would you like something too?" Then she can know she's being fed, or she can say "I have leaky gut and am gluten free and vegan so I'll provide my own food, but thanks anyway." Just communicate!

Anonymous wrote:Why is dinner taking an hour and a half?

Because OP thinks she needs to cook a nice meal for the babysitter like she is a guest.

OP. A babysitter is not a houseguest. They are a service provider like a painter, landscaper, house cleaner. You should visit with them briefly to explain the job, treat them with respect, answer any questions and get out of the way and let them do their job.