School is a full eight hours of a student’s day, and depending on what time a South High student goes to lunch, they could wait until nearly 1 p.m. to eat. Having a simple, cheap, yet yummy snack is super convenient for those students who are hungry during school hours, and thanks to Samantha Koehler-Overton and Jennifer Sudduth, students can purchase a variety of goodies from the daily snack cart.
The snack cart began in the middle of the 2022-2023 school year. Koehler-Overton, sponsor of the Educators Rising group, started the snack cart to supplement fundraising for state and national dues needed for the club. Funds are also used for events like Nightmare on L Street, sponsored by Educators Rising, and other activities such as teacher appreciation gifts and community outreach programs like adopting families during the holidays. Koehler-Overton estimates the snack cart brings in approximately $250 per week.
The infamous three-tiered cart that holds all the delights is a Bed Bath & Beyond cart that Koehler-Overton bought when the company went out of business. Koehler-Overton and Sudduth said they try to keep prices for goodies at $1. One snack or drink from the red trays costs $1; items are two for $1 from the green trays.
Unfortunately for some, the most inexpensive snacks are on the unhealthier side like honey buns, chips, cookies and fruit snacks, but “healthier” snacks are also provided for those who prefer them including peanuts, trail mix and beef sticks. Beverages are also available and include Jumex, water and sports drinks.
South High junior Endy Barrera said he loves the snack cart; his favorite snacks to buy are the Fruit Roll-Ups. He believes that they’re better than all the other snacks; Barrera’s second favorite snack would be the Slim Jims because they’re “super yummy!” Barrera said he is unsure of the exact amount of money he has spent this year on the snacks but would guess it ranges from $15 to $20. “I ADORE the snack cart,” he said.
Senior Shaila Solis also really likes what the snack cart has to offer; Solis’s favorite snack is the savory mini bag of Takis for $1. Solis estimates she has spent more than $10 on treats from the snack cart this year. Solis said she is very fond of the snack cart and visits almost every school day because of the delicious variety of snacks she can choose from.
