Public school students deserve more than just mystery meat. Students are legally required to be in a school building Monday-Friday, why are we not providing them with healthy and valuable meals for the proper health for their bodies to function?
School food has always been a controversial topic. It’s the only thing that many students can afford or have access to during the school day. Which is why I believe the food provided should be more nutritional and higher quality. Public school food needs to be of better quality because it directly affects students’ health, learning and overall well-being.
Many school meals are high in processed ingredients, added sugars and unhealthy fats, but low in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthier meals help students maintain energy levels and lower their risk of long-term health problems; poor-quality food contributes to childhood obesity, diabetes and other preventable health issues.
When I have eaten school food in the past, many times it looked and tasted not appetizing. The portion sizes are small, and I would consider it not enough to feed teenagers who are growing and learning all day. In my opinion, if students are legally required to be at a location all day, then the government should be required to provide healthier meal plans for students.
Freshman are not allowed to leave campus, so they have the option to eat the provided school lunches or bring their own food from home. Many families cannot afford to provide 3 meals a day, so schools providing food is a huge help. However, the options provided are disproportionate and may harm low-income families who rely on these meals. Everyone deserves access to healthy, appealing food, not just students in wealthier districts or who come from wealthier families.
Not only are the portions small, but many of the options are unhealthy. Students have options like pizza, plain burgers and chicken sandwiches, cheesy bread and sometimes they offer specialty meals that again are not very tasteful. Many students would also agree that the food is often stale and bland. Because the majority of this food is unappetizing and unappealing, a good amount is thrown away and wasted. While taxpayers are putting money towards students being fed, these students are being fed relatively gross meals. Students are more likely to eat and enjoy food that looks and tastes good, which happens when meals use fresh, local, and higher-quality ingredients.
Although things like burgers and chicken sandwiches are offered, there are not even included toppings to provide nutritional value like tomatoes, cheese, or lettuce. There is no balance to these meals. A study from Harvard’s School of Public Health found that students who eat healthier school lunches score higher on standardized tests. Nutrition affects brain function, concentration and memory. Students who eat balanced meals perform better academically and have fewer behavioral issues.
When ex-president Harry S. Truman signed the National School Lunch Act, June 4, 1946, he stated, “Today, as I sign the National School Lunch Act, I feel that the Congress has acted with great wisdom in providing the basis for strengthening the nation through better nutrition for our school children.”
If we could look at the health and needs of our students, we could better our community and provide the nutrition we need for our children. If you want smarter and more productive students, start with healthier lunches.