Foodies Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Work

Workplace holidays can feel harder to navigate than they should. Leaders want to recognize cultural moments in a way that feels thoughtful and engaging, but there is always the question of how much is enough. Go too big, and it can feel forced. Keep it too small, and it can feel like an afterthought.

That is where office snacks make things easier.

For St. Patrick’s Day, the office pantry offers a simple, approachable way to acknowledge the holiday without overcomplicating it. A small, intentional refresh with green snacks and drinks can create energy and connection without turning the day into a full production. Most of the time, celebrations do not need to be bigger. They just need to feel considered.

When is St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17.

In Chicago, the city dyes the Chicago River bright green, drawing thousands downtown and turning the tradition into one of the city’s most recognizable celebrations of Irish heritage. With Crafty's headquarters right along the Chicago River, it feels especially close to home. Our team often brings friends and family into the office to watch the festivities!

The History Behind St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland as a cultural and national observance. Over time, it evolved into a broader celebration of Irish heritage around the world, especially in cities shaped by Irish immigration.

Here's a quick historical breakdown:

• 5th Century: St. Patrick became one of Ireland’s most recognized historical figures.
• 1600s: March 17 was recognized as a feast day in Ireland.
• 1700s: Irish immigrants in the United States began organizing parades to celebrate Irish identity and pride.
• 19th and 20th Centuries: As Irish communities grew globally, the holiday expanded into a celebration of culture, music, food, and heritage.
• Today: St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated as a cultural holiday that brings people together, especially across workplaces and communities.

Green Snacks to Celebrate Inside Your Pantry

One of the simplest and most inclusive ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at work is to use color as your guide. A curated lineup of green snacks and drinks instantly refreshes your pantry, keeps things festive, and gives employees an easy, low-pressure way to participate.

Green Snacks

• Community Chip Sour Cream & Onion: Made with quality ingredients while delivering that familiar tangy crunch employees love
• Green Apples: Packed with fiber and vitamin C, green apples support digestion and energy
• GoGo squeeZ Fruit Blend Snack Apple-Apple: Made from 100%  fruit with no added sugar, these portable pouches provide quick carbohydrates for an afternoon energy boost
• IQBAR Matcha Chai or Chocolate Mint Chip: Known for its brain-focused formulas, featuring nutrients like magnesium and plant-based protein
• Bobo’s Oat Bites Apple Pie Stuff’d: Made with wholesome oats, these bites offer fiber for sustained energy
• Jalapeño Beef Chops: High in protein and designed for satiety, these savory bites help keep hunger in check and energy steady during long workdays
• GimMe Snacks Seaweed Snacks (Any Flavor): Naturally green and nutrient-dense, seaweed snacks provide iodine and minerals while delivering a light, crispy crunch
• Think Jerky Jalapeño: Crafted with quality protein and bold seasoning, this jerky supports muscle recovery and sustained energy without unnecessary fillers
• Solely Jerky Pineapple: Made from whole fruit with no added sugar, this plant-based snack delivers natural sweetness and vitamin C

Green Drinks

• ITO EN Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeinated, green tea supports focus and steady energy without the crash
• Rishi Jasmine Green Tea: Organic and thoughtfully sourced, this tea provides hydration and calming floral notes alongside antioxidant benefits
• La Croix Lime: Zero calories and zero sugar, this sparkling water offers a refreshing soda alternative with a festive citrus twist
• Spindrift Lime: Made with real fruit juice, delivering a clean ingredient list and a slightly fuller lime flavor
• Poppi Lemon Lime: A prebiotic soda designed to support gut health while satisfying cravings for carbonation
• Hint Lime: Unsweetened flavored water that encourages hydration without added sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Bevi Unsweet Cucumber: Clean and refreshing, cucumber-infused water supports hydration and aligns with wellness-focused beverage programs
• Ghost Energy Cherry Limeade: A performance-forward energy drink formulated to deliver a stronger caffeine boost when teams need it most
• Harmless Harvest Coconut Water: Naturally rich in electrolytes, coconut water supports hydration and post-workday recovery

How to Keep St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Inclusive

• Survey your team members:
  Don’t make assumptions—engage with your team to understand how they’d like to observe these occasions. This ensures inclusivity and empowers employees to contribute their ideas, making everyone feel valued. 
  
• Spotlight your team's voices and history:
  Showcasing the experiences and achievements of your inclusive team should be a year-round effort. It's essential to celebrate the diversity within your organization consistently to create an environment where all team members feel valued, recognized, and empowered every day, not just during one specific holiday or month.
  
• Engage your employees in the workplace:
  Consider bringing in a guest speaker who is knowledgeable in Irish history or culture. Their insights can facilitate rich discussions and provide your team with a broader perspective on the significance of these celebrations.
  
• Host a catered lunch from an Irish-owned restaurant:
  Hosting a catered lunch from an Irish-owned restaurant not only introduces your team to a delicious new restaurant but also supports local businesses and communities. It’s a great way to bring people together over food while making a positive impact.
  

Resources for Exploring More About Irish Culture

When it comes to any holiday, it’s normal to feel nervous about getting it right. Don’t let fear hold you back from celebrating St. Patrick's Day! Here are some reliable resources to help you learn more:

• The National Museum of Ireland
• Library of Congress Irish American collections
• History of St. Patrick's Day

If you’re unsure, just ask! Acknowledge your desire to learn and involve your team in planning. This is also a great opportunity to collaborate with your DEI team or establish an Employee Resource Group (ERG) if you don’t already have one.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day does not need to be overproduced to be effective in the workplace. A thoughtful pantry refresh built around green, functional snacks and drinks is often enough to create energy, acknowledge the moment, and bring people together. When celebrations feel intentional rather than oversized, they strike the right balance between festive and inclusive, turning a simple holiday into a meaningful opportunity for connection.