I can still see Mrs. Toozik, in her white hairnet, wielding a huge ladle of "a la king" and with a skilled twist of her wrist landing it perfectly centered on the scoop of sticky white rice of each passing tray. In our day there were no vegetarians, no vegans, no food allergies, no freedom of choice. Everyone got the same portion, the same food, no exceptions, no substitutions.
Clean trays were a requirement. No food was allowed in the garbage can no matter how deserving. Teachers took it as a personal insult if any food was left on any tray, especially Mrs. Halkovich, the star of many second grade students' nightmares.This is why my brother Ned was forced to become a professional milk-carton-stuffer.
It was very difficult to gauge which was stronger - Ned's gag reflex or Mrs. Halkovich's sadistic streak. She would stand over Ned until every bite was consumed no matter how many times it reappeared! It took most of the school year for Ned to be able to perfect the skill of drinking his carton of milk in 3 large gulps, shoveling all food into the carton, and then, as Mrs. Halkovich approached, freezing his face with a look of satisfied gluttony.
Well, I could go on and on about the delicious dark tuna with Miracle Whip or the red jello with the whipped-whatever topping, but I am headed out to Walmart. I don't need anything, I just want to feel 8 years old again.
