Welcome, everyone, to our article on food. In this column, we aim to explore various aspects of food, self, and society, with a particular focus on opinions regarding school lunches. Through interviews with students, we have discovered a desire for more diverse and healthy food options. It's important to note that our intent is to emphasize the need for positive changes and more varied food options provided by the D.O.E. We appreciate the hard work and care that our lunch staff provide us students, and know that they do the best they can with the ingredients and products provided to them.

The school lunch menu currently includes a variety of options such as pasta, salad, burritos, chicken balls, shredded carrots, rice with beans, veggie burgers, fries, mozzarella sticks, pizza, biscuits, stew, carrots with ranch sauce, chips, and bread. While many students enjoy some of these offerings, there is a consensus among students that the school should prioritize healthier and less messy food options. Recognizing the importance of promoting healthy eating, students advocate for a wider array of appealing food options. 

In a recent decision reported by Chalkbeat news organization which covers important stories about schools, the Department of Education (D.O.E) has chosen to remove certain foods from school menus, including chicken dumplings, roasted chicken, bean and cheese burritos, and cookies. While we understand the need for adjustments, some students express disappointment, particularly about the removal of cookies which they find yummy.

The school lunch experience has room for improvement, and students voice their desire for additional healthy food options. They express interest in incorporating fresh fruits, such as pineapple, mango, pomegranate, and figs, into their meals. The school's 'Green Team' harvests fresh fruits and vegetables from our school garden, and it would be wonderful to see some of these offerings at lunchtime. The Green Team's vegetables could be used to enhance the nutritional value of dishes, such as toppings for various items. Although desserts are infrequently served, students advocate for expanding options for snacks as well, including pretzels, more ice cream flavors, popcorn, and caramel chocolates.

Students also express a desire for less messy food options such as grilled cheese sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, french fries, and chicken nuggets. They also call for additional sauce options and more choices for side dishes. Students suggest that certain items, like burritos and string bean stew, could be reconsidered for removal from the school menu. 

What would you like to see more of on the school lunch menu?