I’m going to let you in on my favorite new lunch spot. Kids eat free, it’s healthy, and there’s even a balloon at the end. Yes, it’s Harris Teeter.
Here’s how you do it: Start in produce. You can usually find samples of strawberries, oranges, or some other fruit. Take your time. This is where I usually get in two days worth of produce into my toddler. Move to the cheese counter after you start to get stares from the produce guy, and you’ll find a variety of cheeses to sample. Casually peruse the cheese displays, and if anyone asks if you need help, make up a bizarre sounding cheese. Smoked Goat Cheese with Almonds? That’ll surely send customer service running for help, giving you a few precious minutes and more cheese freebies for the kiddo. Next, it’s time to hit the deli counter. Take a number. Let others go in front of you. Let your little guy go to town. You’ll find turkey, ham, and all kinds of meats rolled up onto toothpicks for your toddler’s pleasure. Finally, it’s time for dessert. Grab one of the sugar cookies from the sample bin for him, put another in your purse. By the time you get to the frozen section, your toddler will be begging for another. If not, you’ve just scored dessert for yourself.
Helpful tip: On particularly frustrating eating days, I now put all of Graham’s food on toothpicks. Makes it fun for him, and I don’t have to worry about over-extending my welcome at Harris Teeter. Just make sure you are always observing when they are handling the toothpicks. No one needs to poke out an eye or swallow the darn thing!
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