Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Stapleton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lillian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I would say my story started about 14 years ago. I was pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes, basically have diabetes while pregnant. While I was pregnant and before, ate everything under the sun. Once I delivered my son, I knew I had to make a change and at that point, I started cutting different foods out of my diet. I have always been a busy body, but after the change in my diet, my energy level is higher than ever.
Yes, I did have some negative feedback from people once I started to implement my changes. I would get comments such as, “Why are you eating that”, that’s nasty! I could not eat that way. I have never tried to force the way I eat on others, and I want others to respect others if they choose not to eat the way you eat. There are some special people that I do try to encourage and motivate to try healthier options, and those are my kids. If you can get your kids to try some things that are healthier for them. Instead of given them a cookies or chips all the time, give them fruit. I know for the older kids it is almost impossible to monitor what they consume. But hopefully, if we as parents start with healthier options earlier in life, set examples, this will follow our kids through adulthood.
Fast forward, I have seven kids, yes 7! I call my oldest, middle and the littles. I noticed that my littles would come home with candy, or they would have already have eaten candy before they would be picked up from school. I would ask them who gave them candy. They would tell me that the teachers would give them candy, if they had good behavior, or did good on a test. I would notice that the other kids would also have candy at the end of the day as well. This was so frustrating. I wanted to assist the teacher in giving the kids healthier options.
After talking to my friends and venting my frustration, some sleepless nights, going back and forth on what needs to be in the snack bags, the name and logo here we are SNAKS7 was created.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, smooth road with a non-profit…I cannot see that. Most people will tell you, just do this or just do that, but it’s not that easy.
My first struggle was going to my littles school meeting with the Principal. He listened to my idea and said it was great. He told me I should go to the district state my idea and they would be the ones that would approve it. I was told on three different occasions that the person that I need to speak with was not in. When I was finally able to meet with the correct person, she explained that they already have vendors going to the school. I am thinking she is missing the whole concept.
Another struggle would be getting donations. You may go to the department store and the way they want you to request donations seems to change randomly. It may be through email, application, letter on a specific day of the month. Once that day comes, they would say they do not have your request!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with SNAKS7 – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
SNAKS7 is an upcoming non-profit organization. SNAKS7 specialize in delivering healthier snack options to kids. We deliver snacks to after-school programs, daycare facilities, schools, and summer programs. These places also include Boys and Girls Club and YMCA.
I am most proud of my company because it is focused on the needs of our kids and we are taking part in their future by encouraging them to make healthier choices!
Don’t forget, SNAKS7 services are free.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our plans for SNAKS7 is to have consistent sponsors, which will contribute to SNAKS7 delivering snacks throughout the DFW metroplex.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://snaks7.online
- Phone: 469-826-8499
- Email: snaks7np@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillian_snaks7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snaks7np
Image Credit:
Davyd Stapleton
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