As the lunch bell rings, freshman Chinese Student Association representative Aureana Fu is stuck choosing between clubs to attend. In the end, Fu decides to go to the club offering food, acting as a major factor in her participation.
For many clubs around SCHS, students are drawn in not by the activities but by the food provided. Whether it is cultural food for education or snacks as a reward for attendance, club food is a popular motivator when it comes to student participation.
“They (Baking Club) call a lot of people to bake, and they bring food to every meeting. I go to every meeting so I can eat and devour all that food,” Fu said. “I’ve told a lot of people, ‘Come because there’s food,’ and that’s why my whole friend group follows. That’s the reason we go to the Baking Club, all of us, just for the food.”
Senior president of the Muslim Student Association Elma Hidic believes having food at a club meeting brings everyone together. She emphasized that food helps connect people, and they create a community in a club.
“I think that food is a way to bring people together because they have a common interest when they go to clubs for food. I think it’s something that they can bond over, and it just keeps you sort of doing something while you’re at the club,” Hidic said. “It helps bring in bonding because food is something we all love and share.”
Social studies teacher Hao Pham noted that food plays a big role in uniting students.
“Food just brings people together. Snacks, light food, it’s very important. I don’t hand out (food). The students do that, and they do a good job,” Pham said. “Some of the kids are really committed, food or without food, but with food, it’s a bonus. It can’t hurt.”
With food being a big motivator, Fu revealed that unless a club has a meaningful purpose to her, the absence of food is usually enough to keep her from going.
“Like CSA, I’ll go even if there’s no food because I have to. But other clubs, like if Baking Club was just about learning about how to bake and the temperature of ovens, then no. I’m not getting food? Then no,” Fu said.
Hidic explained that only a portion of the students come to her club for food, but the presence of food is not just about feeding club members but also for sparking interest, which gives students a reason to stop by and become invested.
“I think over time, their friends spread the word, they noticed about the club, and people actually gained a genuine interest in wanting to attend,” Hidic said. “At first it might sound like the food is just there to lure them in and then they leave after a while, but over time, once they start seeing what’s going on in the club, they’re more likely to join in the long term.”
Hidic also revealed that she spends money out of her own pocket and the majority of the club’s funding for food. She feels the investment is worth it because it affects her club’s participation, and providing food contributes to the community she wants to build.
“I usually go out of my own pocket for food because I feel like I’m pretty passionate about my club. I don’t mind spending money on it. Also, I feel like it’s something that a lot of the people in our club are passionate about in a way, and it’s something that interests them the most,” Hidic said. “Even during socials or gatherings, food is always going to be something that’s catered because it’s what people enjoy seeing the most.”
Hidic recognized that snacks and treats are what usually attracts students initially, but consistent exposure to a club’s activities can turn a bit of curiosity into something more. For her, providing food at a club is a strategy to help students feel welcome until they discover their own reasons for staying.
“Now, most of the clubs I join are for genuine interests. Over time, especially as you’re getting older and going through high school, you start branching out and understanding what your actual interests are,” Hidic said. “I spend my club time now listening to what’s going on in the club and having fun there. I like clubs because they’re a way to bond with my friends. But definitely if food is there, I will come.”