Participating as a vendor at Longest Elementary School's Holly Jolly Bash was an incredibly rewarding experience. We had the opportunity to provide a fun, nutritious Christmas-themed snack that introduced the students to something new and exciting—hummus! The goal was simple: to offer a healthy, delicious, and enjoyable food option that would not only nourish the kids but also encourage them to try something they had never experienced before. Out of the 408 students who attended the event, 80% had never tasted hummus. For many of them, this was their first time encountering this nutritious food, and it was heartwarming to see them embrace the challenge of trying something new.

The true magic of this event wasn’t just in the food—it was in the courage the children showed by being brave enough to taste something different. By encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, we aimed to teach them an invaluable lesson in bravery that they can carry with them far beyond this experience. Most of the students not only enjoyed the hummus but also expressed a desire for more, which was a wonderful testament to the impact we had in introducing them to healthier food options. This experience wasn’t just about serving food; it was about creating lasting memories and inspiring a sense of adventure in the children that could extend into every part of their lives.