The Snack Saga, Part II

Before I get started on the Part II, I must first disclose that letters were sent out at the beginning of the school year to all parents stating that due to the school's involvement in the Federal Hot Lunch program, we would no longer be able to send in cupcakes on our child's birthday. (Apparently, there is a big push towards fighting childhood obesity - a worthy goal and I get that...).

The school did state that there would be a celebration type thing each month for the kids who would have their birthday that month - not the same as mom sends cupcakes, but whatever. At this point in time, I'm used to arbitrary bureaucracy in life.

When Buddy came home and told me about the snack thing, I asked, "What kind of snack?" (IOW, I'm wondering what's expected of me, because there was no note and I wasn't sure if this shindig included sending drinks, etc.) - and that's why I called my first friend. Her son graduated from this same class a few years ago and she gave me some tips.

I picked up the chips and was then informed by Buddy that the teacher already had those.

Oooookayyy. Here is the deal at his school and Item A in my situation: All the children are given a snack break, usually around 9AM or so. There are snacks for sale in the school office for a quarter or the child can bring a snack from home. I send Buddy to school with a quarter each day for his snack.

Item B: The Fifth Grade students work all year long to raise money for their end of the year class trips before they graduate. Apparently, the 5th grade teacher sells her own snacks from the classroom (same price) and that money goes into the coffers for the class trip. 5th grade kids also work at every Fish Fry during Lent by clearing tables and waiting on customers to earn tips in the assorted tip jars set around on the Fish Fry tables. (Buddy's family will be above average tippers this year).

Item C: the only child in the school with severe peanut allergies is in Buddy's class (and has been since pre-school). We are used to this and read labels like crack-hos size up potential johns. Much like they don't want to solicit an officer of the law, we don't want to have this kid around any type of peanut product. Or, even a product that might have merely thought about being near a peanut.

After speaking with a second friend, whose son just graduated last year, she filled me in on the whys and wherefores of this snack business.

The teacher sells snacks from her classroom, the 5th grade nets the quarter for their field trips. She asks parents to send in assorted snacks every day, to be offered up for sale to further fund said trips.

I'm cool with that. I don't mind supporting that effort. But, now, we have some issues. The snack cannot be something perishable and truly, I wouldn't want to put the school at risk of losing funding if I sent brownies or such. I also now realize that it's not that I have to send one snack per student. The kids have a variety of snacks available in the room and they can buy whatever they want.

I need to buy snacks that have the ability to hold up for a few days or a week until it may be bought and consumed.

Buddy is taking a box of Pop Tarts and a box of fruit roll ups tomorrow.

I think I'll go to the exclusive Sam's Club and stock up on non-perishable snack items because I will be called upon again before too long.