breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,317 
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Aug 3, 2015 16:00:13 GMT
I am going to be our PTA's meeting snack person starting in about two weeks. Our meetings are in the evening. I have a $250 budget for the year (so about $20-$25 per meeting) but that also includes buying paper plates, silverware, napkins etc and keeping some kind of grab and go snack in the PTA cupboard.
We usually have 10-15 people at meetings.
My instinct is always to make dessert... but I know there are PTA members who can't have dairy, gluten etc...
So in an effort to get organized and not wait until the last minute... what kind of snacks would you take? Last year the snack person generally brought pre-packaged stuff and juice boxes or energy drinks. I don't see our school principal sipping on a juice box or anyone wanting an energy drink at 7 pm... which is why I offered to take over.
I am thinking of just taking fruit to the first meeting since it's summer...
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 3, 2015 16:05:10 GMT
Personally I would not worry about anyone's allergies/intolerances/food choices. I cannot have gluten and I am not the least bit offended by things like meetings where the snacks have gluten.
You can probably get a large pack of paper plates, napkins, etc. at Costco that would last you the entire year. Then I might just do fruit -- something easy like grapes -- cheese and crackers, or a pan of brownies or cookies.
eta: about the allergies/intolerances/food choice people -- Anyone who has one of these and who feels that they absolutely must have a snack while at a meeting (which I wouldn't, lol) will bring their own snack. The organizer can't be all things to all people.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2015 16:07:53 GMT
Bottled water and things that are shelf stable so that the last meeting of the year can be a hodgepodge of leftovers.
Or you could do a theme each month.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2015 16:08:12 GMT
And I second not worrying about allergies or other food issues.
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,157
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Post by scrappington on Aug 3, 2015 16:14:54 GMT
Other than water. I think a dessert is just fine. How long are these meetings. Snacks are not always required. But having a beverage would be nice.
I think fruit in summer is a great idea. But I wouldn't go to elaborate.
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Aug 3, 2015 16:17:16 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord.
My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL.
Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself.
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Post by doesitmatter on Aug 3, 2015 16:17:48 GMT
I'd say anything as long as "the snack is double bagged"  It MUST be double bagged  |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 3, 2015 16:18:08 GMT
Our principal ordered all of the teachers subs one day for Teacher Appreciation or something. The pregnant lady wailed when she saw what was being provided. Didn't the principal know that pregnant people can't have deli meat? Actually the principal didn't know, but it was an excellent example of not pleasing everyone all of the time. I would maybe have one thing of cheese and crackers and then something sweet. Bottled water (flavored or not) would look better than a juice box. I know there are usually lot of leftovers at things like this, so something easy to pack up and take home to your kids would also be good.
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Post by mom on Aug 3, 2015 16:19:13 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I was thinking the same thing....but I would offer bottled water. Thats all though. |
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 3, 2015 16:22:32 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I actually agree with this, which is what I was thinking but didn't say. lol. I have never understood this need for food food food for everything. I sing in a community choir that meets from 7-9 for rehearsals. Presumably people have eaten dinner beforehand, and if they haven't had dinner then a cookie at 8:00 isn't a very good one. Plus, how can people sing after eating all that food anyway? (people bring a LOT of food, sheesh...) |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:22:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 16:22:50 GMT
I'd say anything as long as "the snack is double bagged" It MUST be double bagged Bwahahaha |
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Post by doesitmatter on Aug 3, 2015 16:22:56 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I agree, it really seems like a misappropriation of funds. I can see buying water, but adults don't need snacks for a meeting. I would ratehr see the money go to teh students. Out PTSO would supply water and snacks - some would take water - most brought our own, and largerly the snacks went un eaten because the meetings were 630/7 and I think most people had dinenr or were saving their appettie for dinner. And fwiw PTSO funds weren't used, people took turns bringing snack, which we didn't need  But oh yeah - as Freebird said, you didn't ask us that huh?  So ya, it it's required, fruit and water this time. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:22:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 16:23:54 GMT
Our principal ordered all of the teachers subs one day for Teacher Appreciation or something. The pregnant lady wailed when she saw what was being provided. Didn't the principal know that pregnant people can't have deli meat? Actually the principal didn't know, but it was an excellent example of not pleasing everyone all of the time. I would maybe have one thing of cheese and crackers and then something sweet. Bottled water (flavored or not) would look better than a juice box. I know there are usually lot of leftovers at things like this, so something easy to pack up and take home to your kids would also be good. Wth? No deli meat?  ? |
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,317
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Aug 3, 2015 16:25:25 GMT
The meetings are about an hour and from 6-7 pm, except the first one which is from 3-4 in the afternoon. The school principal and some teachers attend the meetings and I think some of them haven't been home to eat dinner yet, which is part of why there are snacks?
The official title of the position is hospitality chair. Maybe having snacks and drinks it hospitable...
At my kids old school there was a dinner potluck before meetings. I had already eaten dinner at 5, and did not want to eat a 2nd dinner at 7 so I never went. I would have preferred snacks...
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Post by Fidget on Aug 3, 2015 16:25:37 GMT
I agree with Freebird.
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Post by gritzi on Aug 3, 2015 16:25:49 GMT
I agree w/Freebird. I would only offer bottled water.
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Post by myshelly on Aug 3, 2015 16:27:39 GMT
This is a ridiculous thing for a PTA to spend money on.
Adults don't need snack time at meetings.
Good lord.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:22:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 16:28:12 GMT
Having a treat at a meeting that nobody wants to go to is a great idea. Makes people happy! Happy people volunteer !
As the saying goes,
Come to the dark side, we have cookies.
Make rice Krispy treats. Everybody likes theme. Did you know you can leave most of the butter out?
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2015 16:28:33 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I agree, it really seems like a misappropriation of funds. I can see buying water, but adults don't need snacks for a meeting. I would ratehr see the money go to teh students. Out PTSO would supply water and snacks - some would take water - most brought our own, and largerly the snacks went un eaten because the meetings were 630/7 and I think most people had dinenr or were saving their appettie for dinner. And fwiw PTSO funds weren't used, people took turns bringing snack, which we didn't need But oh yeah - as Freebird said, you didn't ask us that huh? So ya, it it's required, fruit and water this time. often ptos are looking for any help in bringing in people and it may have been that x number of years ago, someone wanted snacks. I want to say at my kid's first school they actually fed us dinner. I don't know where the funds came from |
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Post by tania7424 on Aug 3, 2015 16:29:21 GMT
We are looking at doing this, BUT our PTL meetings are at 9 am. And it's parents taking turns bringing muffins and us making coffee and boiling water for tea.
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 3, 2015 16:29:23 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I know at our PTO meetings the teachers don't go home from school and they have to go to these meetings. They haven't had anything to eat for 6+ hours and won't get home until 7:30 or later, so a snack is much appreciated. I think many parents come straight from work and they appreciate something too. |
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Post by 950nancy on Aug 3, 2015 16:30:20 GMT
Our principal ordered all of the teachers subs one day for Teacher Appreciation or something. The pregnant lady wailed when she saw what was being provided. Didn't the principal know that pregnant people can't have deli meat? Actually the principal didn't know, but it was an excellent example of not pleasing everyone all of the time. I would maybe have one thing of cheese and crackers and then something sweet. Bottled water (flavored or not) would look better than a juice box. I know there are usually lot of leftovers at things like this, so something easy to pack up and take home to your kids would also be good. Wth? No deli meat? ? That was word on the street!  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:22:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2015 16:33:04 GMT
No wonder our kids can't make it through a movie without a snack, even adults can't go an hour through a meeting without a "snack". Good lord. My first order of business as the president would be to take back the $250 and tell people to bring a bottle of water if they're thirsty. LOL. Which is exactly not what you asked, which is annoying, but I couldn't stop myself. I was thinking the same thing....but I would offer bottled water. Thats all though. Add me to this bench. I don't think snacks are necessary but if you HAD to have something, I'd buy some bottled water. I would assume that PTA can find another, more useful way to spend that $250. |
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2015 16:33:24 GMT
We are looking at doing this, BUT our PTL meetings are at 9 am. And it's parents taking turns bringing muffins and us making coffee and boiling water for tea. not that you asked, but I have a problem with 9 am pto meetings. It is basically telling people if they work, they are not welcome on the pto. |
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 3, 2015 16:33:59 GMT
Our principal ordered all of the teachers subs one day for Teacher Appreciation or something. The pregnant lady wailed when she saw what was being provided. Didn't the principal know that pregnant people can't have deli meat? Actually the principal didn't know, but it was an excellent example of not pleasing everyone all of the time. I would maybe have one thing of cheese and crackers and then something sweet. Bottled water (flavored or not) would look better than a juice box. I know there are usually lot of leftovers at things like this, so something easy to pack up and take home to your kids would also be good. Wth? No deli meat? ? I believe it is because unless heated to a certain temp, it can have listeria |
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Post by SabrinaM on Aug 3, 2015 16:37:05 GMT
I used to be on the PTA board at DDs school. We never did snacks for a regular meeting, only family nights. Check places in your area who give donations. We had a local bagel/bakery that happily gave us their day's leftovers. A local ice cream shop used to gladly bring their cart to our events. For them, it was a great way to drum up business. Bottled water Bananas In my experience, most people don't eat much. They're there because they either have to be or because they need some $$ or something from the PTA. They're not there to socialize. They want to get home.  |
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Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
Posts: 4,378
Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Aug 3, 2015 16:40:02 GMT
Having snacks and drinks is nice, but I agree with others that the money could be spent elsewhere.
I'm an educator who usually attends Board of Education meetings 2 evenings per month. I don't go home after work. Often on those days we have staff meeting until 4:30, and it isn't worth it to me to drive home and back for a 7:00 meeting. I usually work at my desk for awhile, then go grab a sandwich or something else before heading over to the meeting. I don't expect to be offered snacks at the meeting--again, it's a nice gesture, but I look at it as my own responsibility to either grab something, or pack additional food to eat at my desk or in the car before the meeting.
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Post by littlemama on Aug 3, 2015 16:42:49 GMT
At the first meeting, I would introduce a motion to do away with snacks, including the bottled water. It's an hour. I'm sure the teachers don't leave school til 4 most days anyway, so they would be fine for the 3-4 pm meeting (which effectively excludes working parents, by the way). I also seriously doubt they are sitting around at the school for 3 hours waiting for the 6pm meetings!
And I agree about the 9am PTO meetings - Most PTO's are pretty exclusionary to working parents anyway (whether they intend to be or not - I know at our school the board was a bunch of stay at home snobs - not saying everyone is, but ours was that way, at least up until the embezzlement was discovered and the entire board was forced to resign, but I digress,
- a 9 am meeting basically says "F you, people with jobs"
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smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,608
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
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Post by smginaz Suzy on Aug 3, 2015 16:42:55 GMT
So that is also a broad brush assumption-people who work all work at 9am?
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Post by tania7424 on Aug 3, 2015 16:44:24 GMT
We are looking at doing this, BUT our PTL meetings are at 9 am. And it's parents taking turns bringing muffins and us making coffee and boiling water for tea. not that you asked, but I have a problem with 9 am pto meetings. It is basically telling people if they work, they are not welcome on the pto. Oh I know. We do hold some evening meetings to allow those that work to attend. However, attendance is so low we don't even have a quorum of general members (not on executive) to pass motions. That would be 9 parents. Morning meetings there are at least 20 parents who are not on executive present. But we are still going to do them again this year. |
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It MUST be double bagged 
?
