A hidden gem at Palmetto, the snack stand — located right next to the gym — serves as a great place to grab a bite with friends. Though many people did not know about the snack stand in the past, it has seen an increase in popularity this year. The introduction of hotdogs to the stand has drawn in huge crowds. Along with hotdogs, the stand sells food and drinks like chips, candy bars, sodas and Gatorade.

Many students do not go straight home after school; instead, they participate in sports or clubs. This is the case for sophomore CJ Starling. He usually has drama rehearsal after school and stops by the snack stand before rehearsal for a quick pick-me-up. 

“My friends and I usually stop by after school to get chips and stuff,” Starling said. “The line is sometimes long, but it’s worth the wait…without the snack stand, we would be so hungry in drama rehearsal.” 

Another benefit of the stand is that it helps support Palmetto’s Athletic Department. 

“The snack stand raises money for transportation, tournaments and meets [for Palmetto’s athletes],” Athletics Director Steven Batten said. “For example, the track team has lots of out-of-town track meets — sometimes all the way in Gainesville — and the profits from the snack stand help to pay for that.”

Security guards and parent volunteers have the responsibility of running the stand from 2:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., every day after school. 

“I really appreciate the work the security guards put into running the stand,” Starling said. “The prices are super affordable and the money helps the school, so it’s a win-win.”