School lunches are an essential part of the day for many students, but not everyone is satisfied with what’s being served. From complaints about quality to suggestions for improvement, students have plenty to say about daily meals.
For some students, the quality of lunch depends on the day’s offerings. “Sometimes, they have more fruit options and bigger pizza slices, it also depends on what you eat, like the sandwich or the pizza is good,” said Sophmore Zejily Abdelhaq.
The reality of feeding hundreds of students on a limited budget is a challenge many schools face. Schools receive just $1.30 per student for each meal. That small amount has to cover food, labor, and utilities. This leaves little room for anything beyond the basics.
Even with these limitations, some students appreciate having meals provided at all. “I think they do fill me up for the most part, and I bring a snack every day just in case I’m still hungry. I like the school lunch, and I appreciate what they do,” said sophomore Ahmad Soufian.
Others still believe there is significant room for improvement. Pizza is a menu staple and one of the student favorites, but it often gets complaints. Abdelhaq said it’s sometimes “uncooked, chewy, and kind of gross.” Cheeseburgers, another crowd favorite, are served rarely, and many students wish they were a regular option.
“I’d like to have more cheeseburgers because they only serve them occasionally, and they’re really good,” said Abdelhaq.
Popular and favorite lunch choices among students
These thoughts reflect common conversations about school lunches across the country. Many students recognize the importance of having access to meals during the school day and still feel that improvements are needed. Around the US, concerns often go around the taste and consistency of the meals and the lack of exciting and tasty options that appeal to teenagers. Simple changes like adding fresher fruits may make the student lunches more appealing. “My favorite is the juices, but I think they should include more fruits like blueberries and diced strawberries,” said Soufian.
The importance of school lunches also goes beyond taste. According to Food Research & Action Center research, free or reduced price lunches play a key role in reducing food insecurity and improving student health. The updated nutrition also encourages students to eat more fruits and vegetables, many also say they are the most reliable items on the menu.
“The fruit and vegetable options are probably the best part because they’re mostly fresh, and you can’t mess those up,” said Abdelhaq.
Students believe small changes could go a long way in improving the experience. More menu variety, better preparation and fresher ingredients will most definitely make school lunch better students argue.
“Hopefully, there will be new changes to the menu, as people will be more interested in getting lunch and happy,” said Soufian.