No, it is because parent feedback leads to that amount of snacks. Parents at WIS align on one packaged snack a week. GDS, 2 a day. Other schools are in between. If OP doesn't align with the loud voices in the room, she needs to make sure hers is counted too. |
You can’t please all the people all the time. |
Of course not, but that’s exactly why feedback matters. The current setup (which is used by all the schools we are discussing) reflects what enough people asked for. |
Nothing. Nothing ever has. |
It reflects what is easy and cheap. No one but the staff asked for that. |
I think there’s a misunderstanding that this comes down to cost. At this level, parents tend to notice and respond to daily experience details—like snack choices—more than marginal differences in tuition (especially relative to the cost of those snacks). Schools try to stay very in tune with parent preferences, which is why you see such different approaches across schools using the same provider. |
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OP, I just want to say I really feel for you reading through this thread. This is one of those things that’s incredibly hard to pick up on ahead of time.
On the surface, all of these schools sound very similar—same general philosophy about progressing from younger to older palates, similar menus at a glance, and all relying on parent feedback. It’s not something most people think to compare closely. When I was looking, GDS and WIS were both at the top of my list, and I only noticed the difference because I happened to look at their food programs back-to-back. If that hadn’t happened, I would have completely missed how different the balance actually was. Even once I saw it, I wasn’t sure how to weigh it in a decision. It’s a nuanced thing, and it doesn’t jump out unless you’re specifically looking for it. I can very easily see myself up in your position. It's not obvious, and it’s not something anyone dives deeply into. (And before anyone comes at me, Maret, Sidwell, and BVR were also strong contenders on my list, it just happened to be that I looked at the two extremes in terms of menu one right after the other and the difference in those two made me revisit and look more deeply at all the others). |
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You can accept what’s offered or pack your own.
Don’t make this an issue with admin. You do not want this snack complaint to become your family’s brand. They will take you less seriously for the rest of your time at the school. There are reasons the selections are what they are—what the school’s suppliers have available, what is shelf stable, what kids will eat. They are not hiring extra staff to prep or serve food or paying for additional inventory that children throw out. Growing brains need carbs anyway. If Cheez Its truly have you freaked out, it may be time to reassess. |
Omg you literally must not have read any responses... 🤦♀️ No, you aren't allowed to pack your own at these schools. GDS is the most extreme version of what the supplier offers for processed food. It is very much something OP should speak with admin about. The request the feedback and won't negatively judge the parent. |
Of course they will judge. The snack complainers almost always complain about everything. They are never happy and they let everyone know it all the time. |
For those who still think they are unable to pack snacks, yes you absolutely can. This is like an IQ test that you failed. If you cannot convince the teacher to allow you to bring snacks, how do you accomplish anything in life. Just pack the snacks. |
Giving feedback on a specific issue isn’t the same as “complaining about everything.” If OP is concerned about how the school will receive it, she can also go directly to Meriwether. Their model is built around family feedback, and they’re ultimately the ones working with schools to shape these menus. |
School policies often don't allow it -- allergies and sharing conflicts are two reasons. But keep repeating the same thing. |
No school is perfect. If this is the *only* thing you have to complain about consider yourself extremely lucky. |
Just get the specific snacks cleared in advance for classroom allergies and get a physician's note if needed for dietary/health reasons. How are you so unable to accomplish anything in life? |