Beware of Care Package Junk

This week I got another mailing from my son's university encouraging me to provide him a Final Exams Care package. This is a common practice to raise money each semester. I suspect most colleges and universities do this. My kids went to very different types of higher education institutions, yet both places offered the same kind of junk food that supposedly helps the students through exam week. What bunk!

For instance, the Support Basket Pack which claims to be stuffed full of tasty and wholesome foods "designed to bring encouragement right to your student". I don't think pop tarts, fruit snacks, lollipops, something called Toad-Ally Hanky Panky and something called Laffy Taffy would test out to be particularly nourishing compared to real food. (I'm surprised that the students who study nutrition don't blow the whistle on this practice!)

I think it is better to send your student the money instead and tell them to treat themselves to things like high quality fruit smoothie, a Stonyfield Farm drinkable yogurt, apples, pears, berries, citrus or other fruit, baby carrots, almonds, trail mix, raisins or other dried fruit, some organic soup, dark chocolate, or go out to for a dinner / study break with a friend which is good for the soul. Even if they end up getting some not-so-nourishing selections, it'll be their choice, and they can enjoy savoring whatever they choose instead of getting 18 - 56 items that they don't really want. The going rate for the care packages are $20 to $55 dollars plus tax (since it isn't real food). With that kind of money they could really get something decent to boost their energy and their spirits.

Yes, the university will not make any profit if you send or transfer the money directly to your student, but I figure if the student doesn't have the brain fog brought on by too much sugar and empty calories, he will do better in his exams. And just maybe, this success in his courses will eventually lead to success in a career, and then he will gladly support the university with his own heartfelt donations for years to come.

Go for the real food. It'll work in your favor.