The High Calling of a Snack Manager

Snack management ain’t no joke.

Upon hire at my last school job in Aftercare, there was no mention of managing snacks. Someone, usually the principal, purchased them. The Aftercare staff merely offered them to the K-5 group.

I’m a snacker myself. Always have been.

Somewhere along the way I became a bit obsessed.

Obsessed about getting snacks they liked. And delighted in discovering that awesome combination of healthy and delicious snacks.

Snacks are a kid’s comfort food. After a long day at school, the ones that had to stay even longer looked forward to snacks.

Eventually, I shopped and chose snacks. I usually did that off the clock. That was my staff volunteer time for the school.

I’d take my time up and down the Walmart aisles.

I’d buy some snacks with my own money so I could munch on something too.

Tubs of cheeseballs and ice cream were treats. We all loved cheeseballs!

Many of the children also liked apple slices, cheese, pretzels, crackers, yogurt, and fruit bars.

And popcorn.

Lots of popcorn.

I’d fill plastic cups on a nice day and we’d eat outside. Or sometimes I’d take big bowls to the picnic table & let them have fun choosing, buffet style.

Yes, I made snacks a big deal.

The Biblical verses that encourage us to do our best, to include our heart & mind, is true for any job. When you enjoy something that seems ordinary, you are planting seeds. Each time you say yes to finding something or someone to care about, even in the smallest way, you are renouncing the forces of darkness.

My adult confirmation in the Episcopal Church was an outward declaration, a symbol, an adult renunciation of evil.

Whether you find yourself in camouflage on a battlefield, or in a skort carrying a tub of cheeseballs, your commitment will not be in vain.

When dealing with souls, you don’t always know the results right away.

Keep tilling and planting and laughing.

And eat a cheeseball once in awhile.

Sincerely,

Ms. Kim Evans,

former Snack Manager