My Junior High was pretty brutal with a fair level of violence. Back in the day, there were lots of 'greasers' and a clear hierarchy. I escaped persecution by selling my very good home packed lunch to the #2 greaser in the school every day. As a result, I came under his protection and none of the junior greasers would harass me. Luckily, he gave me enough money to eat in the cafeteria. He could have simply shaken me down. I never told my parents.