The Green Bean Story

The Green Bean Story

Many times, we do not take into consideration the barriers our students have before they even arrive at school or when they go home. Similarly, some of our colleagues go through the same types of barriers. Our students can perceive school as a safe place. It is important to connect with our students and the people we work with. If you think about it, when we subtract sleep, we spend nearly half of our day or more at school or work.

This story was given to me by a fellow middle school principal who grew up in the same town as me. It inspired me. I hope it inspires you, too! I am giving away cans of green beans to all of my co-workers for their birthdays. I wonder how long it will take for someone to ask why I do that. When they ask, I’ll tell them the story.

Our crisis team provides needy families with food baskets during holidays etc…Hence, we have a food drive, and people send expired can goods, mac & cheese, etc.  They don't go in the basket of course…Maintenance workers were ready to throw away the expired food when I asked where it was going. They said the trash.  There were two people making fun of me for not wanting the food to be thrown away.  Granted the two people never have any money but they would not accept the expired food…which we both know if the lid isn't popped there's nothing wrong with the food.

I then made the comment that I remember telling my hungry little sister (7 years younger) that we had to wait for mom to wake up (she worked midnights) to eat. We were both staring at a can of green beans on our kitchen shelf.  I remain diligent in knowing what it’s like to do without.  Moving huh?  End of story is an older male guard took food to his church where others gladly enjoyed the food.  

For their birthdays I'm buying them cans of green beans to remind them of how they should be grateful for everything they have…one day it may not be available……..