Gutsy Gourmet: Turning After-School Hunger into a High-Engagement Library Program

If you work with tweens and teens, you already know this universal truth:

They are always hungry after school.

They walk into the library at 3:15 with backpacks, stories from the day, and the kind of hunger that could level a vending machine. And if your library is anything like mine, snacks instantly become social currency.

So instead of fighting it, I built a program around it.

Gutsy Gourmet is a monthly themed tasting program where kids try foods (and drinks!) they might not normally choose — all in a fun, structured, low-pressure environment. It’s simple, inexpensive, and one of the most conversation-heavy programs we've run.

And yes, they love it.

The Concept

Each month features a tasting theme centered on curiosity and comparison. The goal isn’t shock value — it’s exploration. Kids try small samples, describe what they’re tasting, compare items, and vote on favorites.

Themes can include:

Snack-Based Themes

• Sour Showdown – Different sour candies, citrus varieties, sour chips - Supply ideas HERE, HERE, HERE, & HERE

• Jerky Journey – Beef, turkey, plant-based jerky, spicy vs. sweet, exotic - Supply ideas HERE & HERE

• Chip Championship – Different brands of the same flavor

• Pickle Palooza – Dill, bread & butter, spicy, pickle-flavored snacks

• International Snacks – Items from various countries

• Mystery Flavor Month – Blind taste tests with guessing sheets

• Texture Testers – Crunchy vs. chewy vs. crispy

  
  

Drinks are especially engaging because kids react immediately — and dramatically. It adds energy and laughter to the room.

Drink Themes (Huge Hit)

• Wacky Soda Tasting – Unique or novelty flavors (butter, blue raspberry, specialty craft sodas) - Supply ideas HERE & HERE

• Root Beer Roundup – Compare brands

• Lemonade Lab – Sparkling vs. still, flavored varieties

• Hot Chocolate Bar Taste-Off (winter edition)

• Sports Drink Showdown

• International Drinks – Popular beverages from different countries

General Supplies

For each of these programs, I used condiment cups to divvy out small samples to stretch the provided foods/drinks. You can get these in varying sizes. I always kept all sizes on hand!

Why It Works

1. It Channels After-School Energy

Instead of kids hovering around asking for snacks, you’re creating a structured experience. You’re meeting a real need — hunger — while layering in interaction, analysis, and community-building. Food becomes the hook. Conversation becomes the outcome.

2. It Builds Vocabulary & Critical Thinking (Without Feeling Academic)

Provide tasting sheets with prompts like:

• Describe the flavor in three words.

• What does this remind you of?

• Rate sweetness/spiciness/saltiness from 1–5.

• Would you buy this?

• What surprised you?

  
  

They start using words like: “Smoky.” “Artificial.” “Subtle.” “Overpowering.” “Fizzy but flat.”

They’re practicing descriptive language and comparison skills — and they don’t even realize it.

3. It Encourages Safe Risk-Taking Trying new food can feel vulnerable.

Gutsy Gourmet creates:

• Peer encouragement

• Low stakes (“You don’t have to like it.”)

• Shared reactions

  
  

There’s something powerful about a hesitant middle schooler taking a sip of an

unfamiliar soda and immediately turning to their friends to process it together.

You’re modeling openness to new experiences.

How to Structure the Program

Length: 45–60 minutes

Recommended Age Range: Grades 4+

Group Size: Varies depending on budget

Basic Flow:

1. Welcome + introduce the theme

2. Review expectations (anticipated reactions, allergy awareness)

3. Taste Round 1

4. Discussion + rating/voting

5. Repeat for each item

6. Final vote + crown a winner

   
   

Use:

• Ballots for “Fan Favorite”

• A whiteboard to tally results and descriptive words

• Small prizes (optional)

• Music that matches the theme

  
  

For drink & snack tasting, use small sample cups to control portions and cost.

Budget & Practical Considerations This program is highly adaptable.

Low Budget Options:

• Store brands vs. name brands

• Dollar store novelty sodas

• One category with 3–4 items

  
  

Higher Budget:

• International grocery store finds

• Specialty beverages

• Larger variety of items

  
  

Other considerations:

• Collect allergy information during registration.

• Clearly label ingredients.

• Use gloves when portioning.

• Follow your library’s food service policies.

• Establish a “no yucking someone else’s yum” rule early.

  
  

Hidden Benefits

Gutsy Gourmet supports:

• Social interaction

• Descriptive language development

• Cultural exposure

• Decision-making

• Sensory exploration

• Community building

  
  

And perhaps most importantly? It gives kids a reason to sit around a table together and talk. In a world of constant structure and performance pressure, this is simple, shared experience.

Final Thoughts

After-school hunger is real. Instead of treating it as a disruption, consider turning it into programming. Gutsy Gourmet proves that not every impactful library event needs elaborate supplies or complicated prep. Sometimes, all it takes is a table, some napkins, a few brave taste testers… and maybe a wildly questionable soda flavor.

If you launch your own version, I’d love to hear what themes your kids come up with. They always have ideas — especially when snacks are involved.

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