The Comfort Food of Poly that Keeps them Cozy

Written by Emma Goad and Kathryn Burke, staff writers

As we are now in the midst of school and cooler weather, what do students eat to keep them going?

As we enter fall, many students are experiencing challenges and changes. As midterms approach, freshmen are still adjusting to the new environment, while seniors are applying for further education or seeking opportunities for after graduation. There are many ways people choose to deal with their stress, but having a comfort food can create a sense of safety, allowing people to take things one step at a time. We want to know what food helps our students the most during these stressful times of pumpkin spice lattes and midterms. Many students at Poly were asked to share their fall edition comfort foods and why, with answers ranging from personal preferences, traditions, and family histories.

Responses to “What is your favorite fall comfort food and why?”

Miguel Aponte- “My fall edition comfort snack is hot chocolate with marshmallows.. Specifically, the Abuelitas’ hot chocolate, because I grew up drinking it.” Miguel grew up in a Mexican American culture, where drinking Abuelita’s hot chocolate on a cold day was a tradition. It has grown to calm him down during times of stress and heartache, allowing him to experience the nostalgia that comes with this drink.

Olivia McPherson- “My comfort snack is probably the pumpkin bread mix from Trader Joe’s, or white cheddar popcorn…just because it’s so good.” Olvia McPherson has an extreme schedule, ranging from her packed academic schedule, golfing practices, and club meetings for Bear Pals, Choir, National Honor Society, and more. With a schedule as busy as hers, it’s important to find something to help you get through it. For her, the tasty pumpkin bread mix from Trader Joe’s, along with some crunchy, delicious white cheddar popcorn, does the trick.

Miguel Zarate- “My fall comfort snack is Mexican spicy chips.. Because you can’t go wrong with that.” Miguel Zarate stays very active outside of school, always working on something and strengthening his community. It gets harder to manage time when fall comes around due to the numerous holidays and an increase in assignments and tests. A food that helps Miguel is Mexican spicy chips. Miguel goes to Mexico very often, staying in touch with his Mexican heritage. What better way to bring comfort and stability than common foods from your culture!

Keynna Williams- “Candied yams… my grandad makes them a lot, especially during the holidays.” Keynna Williams acknowledges the fall as a stressful time for students, but as a sophomore, he has discovered what can help him get through these times. Candied yams, specifically ones made from his grandad, relieve his stress. Reminding him that his family is a shoulder to lean on.

Nathan Hernandz- “Something that has to do with bread, like with coffee or something.” Nathan shares his comfort food, which needs no further explanation: bread. What bread? Pumpkin, banana, white, whole wheat, any bread is the right bread. If its a bread that you like, that’s the correct bread.