Devastated.

Without Twinkies, America is devastated; a mere portion of what it was before Hostess’ announcement on Friday that would go out of business. It’s not only because of the loss of the iconic treats that Hostess produces, though. The company has suspended operations and is aiming to sell all of its assets, costing 18,500 Americans their jobs. All factories are being shut down, and outlet stores are only staying open until they have sold out their entire inventory.

That’s a major impact. Almost 20,000 jobs lost, and in this economy. One could say, though, that some of these workers brought this fate upon themselves: the union strike is what caused the whole thing. Either way, the loss is massive, and honestly, it’s upsetting to think about the amount of people that will be left unemployed.

Something else that’s upsetting; Americans can no longer enjoy Twinkies, Donettes, Hostess Cupcakes, Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, Wonder Bread, and many more beloved foods. Some of these Hostess foods are the very things that cause our nation’s eating habits to be labeled unhealthy and obese, and for good reason. While they taste of mostly wonderfully flavorless sugar with subtle undertones of childhood nostalgia, a Ding Dong will most likely add a few pounds. And I’d say 150 calories per Twinkie isn’t exactly worth the 42-minute walk it would take to work off. Personally, I can feel the guilt coming the second I swallow the last bite. But the memories that these foods bring are just too sweet to let go of.

Yes, Hostess, I’ll miss you, but probably more for the memories I associate with your brand names than for the pain of the after-snack stomachaches and regrets.