For the 2024-2025 school year, ETHS implemented a new, accredited Illinois state program that provides free snacks for teachers to give their students. The program was implemented to assist teachers who have been purchasing snacks for students using their personal budget.

“The state and federal government allows us to supply snacks to students however we want to, it could be teachers picking up their snacks like they are now, or we serve it after school and it’s free for everyone,” said Kimberly Minestra, Head of Nutrition at ETHS.

Biology teacher Karen Johnson noticed changes in students’ behavior regarding the snacks and how it correlated with the type of snack they selected. “When I have access to really healthy snacks, such as granola bars, crackers, fruit snacks and other [similar] snacks, [student] performance has increased dramatically. Everyone focuses better when they’re not hungry,” she said.

Johnson has kept food in her office and classroom for students for years. “Many students don’t get enough food at home and it’s really hard to focus when you’re hungry,” she explained. “[Due to the program], I don’t have to pay for things out of my pocket, so I’m able to provide for more students more frequently.”

The snack program has shown a progressive enhancement in students and their classroom performances but has also made kids distracted due to some of the variety of snacks, such as chips versus healthier options.

While the program has been shown to positively benefit students and teachers alike, it is still a work in progress. A long-term goal for the program is “Getting the athletic teams, student activity groups and clubs involved,” Minestra said.

Minestra also hopes to improve the variety of options the school provides. “Your age group usually knows what they can and cannot eat, so we don’t restrict [allergen food] too much but occasionally there is a teacher specifically asking for something such as an alternative, then we’ll try to provide it.”

Minestra continues to encourage teachers around the school to sign up, participate in this program and take advantage of the opportunity.