A Snack of Inclusion: Something everyone can enjoy
When I started brainstorming ideas for my patients, I continually returned to the idea of a wafer. I wanted something solid with a crunch that would quickly melt. There was even a time when I spent hours in my own kitchen trying to mix the perfect ingredients to obtain my desired goal of a food that was high calorie and melt away. I thought wouldn’t it be wonderful to create something that a child or adult could eat in public even if they were on a restricted diet without feeling self-conscious or excluded.
I’m continually amazed at how the company has organically grown. I remember the moment early on when I began to think that maybe we had something. My own children started randomly asking for “mommy’s snacks” and were fighting over flavors. There was another time when I had an extra sample in my purse at my daughter’s dance class. She was hungry and asked for something to eat and so I gave her a strawberry bar. All of a sudden, other child started running up and asking if they could have one too. At a party, I handed out a couple to my friend’s kids to try and couldn’t believe when they asked if I had more for them to take home. (Don’t worry Harper and Alex I will always have samples for you).
Recently, I heard from a daughter of a women who had a stroke. She said that her mother had eaten a chocolate EAT Bar and that she really enjoyed it. After explaining its impact on her mom, she added “my dad thought they were really tasty too”. I am sure she didn’t realize the significance of her Dad’s response was as well.
I will end with the original premise of inclusion. These stories validate what we have always strived for; a snack for everyone to enjoy regardless of their disorder or disease.
It really is a gift that keeps giving.