Out of the seven hours of the school day, the 40 minutes that lunch eats up tend to be the highlight for many students. While some students prefer to bring their own lunch, others rely on the school alternative.
Throughout the years, school food has been a controversial topic. Previously, students couldn’t decide if they thought the food was appetizing enough to try and parents couldn’t decide whether the food was nutritional enough. Parents and students are conflicted as to whether they should buy or bring lunch. However, as the years progress, school lunches only improve, leaving this long-disputed topic as a simple decision.
A protein filled meal is the recipe for a fully functioning teenage brain; one of the many reasons as to why schools provide students with a nourishing breakfast and lunch. Each meal tray creates a designated space for each portion of the food pyramid. A lot of effort is put in to ensure that there is something from each food group. At Cooper City High School each student meal is completed with fresh fruit or canned fruit, tossed salads and juice or milk. This allows for a sufficient amount of nutrition alongside an enjoyable dish. The choice of whether or not to eat what is served at school is up to students.
Even students with food allergies or special requests are provided with the necessary means to ensure that their lunch is as desired. Vegan and vegetarian options, such as black beans and rice, a variety of pre-packed salads, pizzas and hot and cold sandwiches are catered to meet the needs of students.
At Cooper City High School each student meal is completed with fresh fruit or canned fruit, tossed salads and juice or milk. This allows for a sufficient amount of nutrition alongside an enjoyable dish.
“I love having the option of salads, pizza, empanadas and more.” junior Kellianne Schlosser said. “ I like that if I don’t like the main course, there are many other substitutes.”
Not only is the appropriate lunch offered, but a quality breakfast as well. Students are given the options of cereal, biscuits, fruit, juice or milk. Many students are pleased with the school breakfast both in relish and nourishment. All breakfast is free of charge and often adds to a student’s day by leaving a palatable flavor.
While consuming a healthy meal appears to be ideal, this isn’t suitable for everyone. For any students who fancy sweets the school cafeteria has each sugary craving taken care of. On a day to day basis, delicious desserts are served to feed each and every student’s sweet tooth.
School food isn’t only popular within student society, but also within parental groups as well. School food is desirable among parents due to it being easily accessible. The rush to reach the grocery store ends now. Parents can now purchase school lunch online with just one click. Not only has it saved parents a lot of time, but they can avoid the hassle of dragging an angsty teen to the supermarket.
“I love having the option of salads, pizza, empanadas and more. I like that if I don’t like the main course, there are many other substitutes.”
Some students argue that packing lunch from home ensures great quality and taste, school food also fulfills those desires as well. All school food must be United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved and meet the food and nutrition service requirements. While the school food hasn’t quite reached the gourmet level that everyone would pleasantly enjoy, it has improved evidently and continues to make progress annually.
Instead of students finding themselves to be tangled in a time crunch, those who have previously been opposed to eating or trying school food can now have the opportunity to reduce the haste. School meals save desired time and acquire timeliness, leaving both students and parents feeling content.
Photo by The Lariat Photography
