Snickity Snacks

In my senior year of high school, I had a teacher that did something that my other teachers did not do. He had a pantry of snacks and capri-suns in his classroom. It was always nice to come into his classroom, grab a granola bar, and then get to work on whatever was due that day by the end of class. I never really questioned why he had the snacks, but I remember always appreciating them when I either forgot my lunch or didn't have enough money on my student card (which is a whole other conversation).

In the classroom I am observing now, my teacher keeps snacks behind her desk. Usually students, if hungry, will ask her for one. They pick out their snack and then continue working on. My teacher doesn't complain, or shame them for needing a snack. It just happens.

At Changeist, we usually have little snacks and sandwiches for our youth. They're available in the kitchen in the building, but the students normally ask before they grab one. I keep different snacks on me, and sometimes bring an extra lunch, in case the students are tired of PB&J sandwiches or are craving something else.

It's important that youth, and anyone really, are fed when they need to eat. Sometimes kids will forget to bring food, or sometimes they can't even afford it. When kids get hungry, they can't focus, and will sometimes get irritable- which can lead to different issues within the space. We shouldn't shame students for wanting to eat, even when it isn't a designated lunch time. We don't know their stories, and even when we do, it can become a greater incentive to provide them with nutrients. For teachers and programmers who do not have a lot to spend, then perhaps purchase cheap snacks from Costco in mass supply, or even from Dollar Tree. Keep the snacks limited. Have a good relationship with your students so that they can feel comfortable telling you when they absolutely need to eat something. If students basic needs are not being met, it can disrupt their learning (refer to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs).

Best,
Liz