YNN Albany Reporter Lori Chung came back from her story on the local closing of a distribution center with one of the last boxes of Twinkies in hand yesterday. She said one more shipment was on its way- and then that's it. When I heard that news I had to go out and buy some treats that I had never even thought of buying- just because I knew we wouldn't have access to them! In fact- just about everyone I talked to today expressed sadness about the news of not having access to Twinkies, Ding Dongs and such- but they couldn't recall the last time they actually had one of them!
For me- it is nostalgia. Ding Dongs and Susie Q's were a special treat. So tasty. I remember smiling and savoring each bite. I remember these treats being bigger and more decadent than they actually are. Yes- we've become a SUPER SIZED NATION! I want my kids to have this memory as well- even though they probably won't because it will not happen after the small stock of boxes I purchased are gone. At least they get to try them. Believe it or not, despite their ages of 10, 8 and 5- I have never had these kinds of treats in our house! No- I'm not opposed to them. They are active, healthy children. I just didn't think to buy them.
Yesterday I explained to them how I used to enjoy these treats as a child, how times have changed, what happened with the union and the sad decision to close up business. Then I gave them each a treat. They enjoyed them and can't wait to have another.
It's the end of jobs for more than 18-thousand people and the end for an American institution for millions. Hopefully a company like Little Debbies will buy their recipe and continue production.
