There is a fatty who is sometimes a childcare provider at our gym (the irony!).  When she's there, her little ham planets are their too.  They are constantly shoveling food into their face.  Donuts, crackers, pizza, subs...you name it.  I got after her the other day when she wante dto give my 1.5 year old animal crackers to get her calmed down (she always fusses when I drop her off).  Food is not for calming down, which is part of your problem.