I can see both sides, but I use some food items in crafts or sensory play because frankly it's fun and the kids enjoy it. I am not taking food from someone who needs it by buying something at a store. It also doesn't preclude me from donating $, food, or time to others. I've worked in centers where we didn't use food and it didn't cause me any problems making lesson plans.
My bigger issue is with the presenter. You be rude to me like that and I'm going to tell you to shove it up your virtue signaling a$$. Honestly things like this in my opinion is one of ECE's biggest problems- "experts" who take things to the point the average parent or non-professional will hear it and be between
and
. This is a major reason I flat out refuse to participate in FCCRS/ QRIS or whatever IL is calling it now.
I'm sorry you went through that. Regardless of the subject matter your presenter acted like an idiot.