For the purposes of this story regarding selling food, our sources have been made anonymous, as designated by italics.
Making the ‘best cookies on campus’ begins early the night before. John and his friend pour all their love and care into the batter. But these cookies aren’t for culinary class or baking club. The next day, their cookies go for $2 and typically sell out before 5th period.
According to the CFISD Student Code of Conduct, selling ‘merchandise’ (such as food) at school is a Level II violation. But despite this, students find themselves with a variety of treats to choose from—anything from cookies to even pasta.
What do students have to say about selling and eating food? And is there any way to work with the school so students can both enjoy food and be safe?
First, we feast
You’ll find that what makes the food so good is the students’ passion. And while fellow students feed off their snacks, the vendors themselves feed off of building a community.
“At first, it started as like a hobby—baking and just giving it to my friends. But then I was like if more people want it, then I might as well just try selling it,” John said.
His favorite part about baking, in fact, is “The new people I meet every day, making more customers. And I’ve had some customers turn into friends actually.”
It goes beyond the money for several vendors, many of which call themselves ‘entrepreneurs.’ That’s why picking the right treat was important for sophomore Jane.
“I thought that Chamoy candy was something that I can make easily … and also, it’s a huge part of my culture,” she said. “It validates my hard work whenever they enjoy it.”
Or maybe, in the case of Alice, it just comes down to personal taste.
“I’ve always loved chocolate covered pretzels, so when others suggested I start making and selling them, the vision came to life,” she said.
It’s food that makes you feel good just buying it—and there’s a good market for that at school.
All you can eat, all you can’t sell
But selling food in a school environment can bring up several concerns for staff, officers and families alike. The main concern being: is the food safe to eat?
There have unfortunately been many cases—including recent ones in San Marcos and Jacksonville—where students have reported illness or harm from eating food given to them in school.
“It makes sense because these days anybody could be putting anything into anything,” John said. “So I definitely understand their concern for safety, but at the same time, … I don’t think anybody really means harm in that type of way at this school.”
All of the vendors we spoke to reported sanitizing their workstations and testing their items beforehand in order to assure the quality and safety of their product, however without regulation, there is no way to know for certain that the food is safe.
“We want it to be easily accessible for them and keep the product fresh so they can have a good experience,” Jane said.
There’s also the issue of where the money goes. For Jane, selling treats at school is like a job.
“I think some students find it harder or easier than others to get a job depending on their transportation or age requirements,” she said. “And this is a good way for us to make income on the side and to keep ourselves busy and grow as entrepreneurs.”
Conclusion
Despite the restrictions and risk involved with selling at school, vendors want to work together with the school so that they can grow their business without consequence.
“As students we should be encouraged to sell treats or goods as it can build knowledge on entrepreneurship, but if this were to become allowed, there should absolutely be rules set in place,” Alice said.
What could such a solution look like?
“I think that they should find some kind of system or maybe some kind of student registration where we can register and they can allow us to sell at school,” Jane said.
If students are selling and students are buying—even with restrictions—the issue must be addressed by staff.
“I think if the APs and the principal could understand where the sellers were coming from, then we could all work together and make everybody happy and have their stomachs filled.”
