“Shamed” for Thanksgiving contribution to school

[Anonymous]

I don’t know. Maybe she is on the spectrum and was thinking out loud. Didn’t mean anything by it. Relax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know. Maybe she is on the spectrum and was thinking out loud. Didn’t mean anything by it. Relax.

This is my usual approach to odd/rude comments. Wouldn't shame me because I have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm am intentionally unintuitive to rude comments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did this really happen? I can’t imagine someone saying that. If they did, I would probably explain that they mispronounced “thank you” and then shoot an email to their superior about it.

Yes, really happened. The front desk person has long been the discussion of lack of tact. Which is ironic considering her job.

Public in VA.

Seems like you already know the answer to your question, then. You did not break a rule. This particular individual just lacks tact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, she was rude. Her comment did not deserve a response. This is one of those moments where you say, “excuse me?” and see if they have enough shame to not repeat themself.

Did the very specific list suggest a specific brand?

[Anonymous]

If this is the full story, and some school administrator was trying to act snobby toward you, I would inform the school head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cream cheese is not a traditional Thanksgiving food item. What are people doing with it?

Cheesecake? Weird casseroles?

mac and cheese? mashed potatoes?

[Anonymous]

I always buy generic for myself, but I always buy name brands for food banks and contributions. The reason is that I had a friend in college who had grown up poor enough to use a food bank regularly and he said that this was something kids always noticed about food bank food--they weren't "good enough" to deserve the brand names.

On an entire Thanksgiving meal for a family of 8 this might add $20 to the price. That's fine with me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did this really happen? I can’t imagine someone saying that. If they did, I would probably explain that they mispronounced “thank you” and then shoot an email to their superior about it.

I can't believe any food bank would be collecting cream cheese, which has to be refrigerated. What a weird subject to have fun with, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Did this really happen? I can’t imagine someone saying that. If they did, I would probably explain that they mispronounced “thank you” and then shoot an email to their superior about it.

I can't believe any food bank would be collecting cream cheese, which has to be refrigerated. What a weird subject to have fun with, OP.

That’s actually a great point.

[Anonymous]

I bet I could guess the school if it’s Northern VA - let me guess it’s off Chain Bridge? She’s been that way for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ll ask - what sort of food bank or school asks for a perishable item like cream cheese?

Food banks do give out some perishable items, especially in things like Thanksgiving baskets.

True but they don’t ask families to bring these to school and collect them. The logistics don’t make sense.

[Anonymous]

“ The reason is that I had a friend in college who had grown up poor enough to use a food bank regularly and he said that this was something kids always noticed about food bank food--they weren't "good enough" to deserve the brand names.”

Plenty of families that do not rely on food banks buy generic brands for their own kitchens - especially for ingredients like cream cheese. It is ridiculous to be insulted that someone did not donate name brand products to freely food you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“ The reason is that I had a friend in college who had grown up poor enough to use a food bank regularly and he said that this was something kids always noticed about food bank food--they weren't "good enough" to deserve the brand names.”

Plenty of families that do not rely on food banks buy generic brands for their own kitchens - especially for ingredients like cream cheese. It is ridiculous to be insulted that someone did not donate name brand products to freely food you.

Yes, and kids are known for their logical grasp of the bigger picture and rational thought processes.

Yes, so ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Yes, this is what I buy for my family.

[Anonymous]

She shouldn’t have told you straight to your face, but as an occasional recipient of food boxes I always appreciate when I get something by well known brands. First, it’s more consistent, and second, I feel like the person didn’t think of me as less than. I am sure you got what you usually get for yourself, and I would never ever say anything but just so you know, it does matter. Of course it doesn’t mean you should immediately change your ways.