Since its beginning in the 1910’s, has cafeteria food changed for the better or for the worse? Starting with simple meals like soup, bread, and milk to the hot pre-packaged meals we have today, has the cafeteria food improved? What do the students think about it?
Schools in the state of California are provided with free school lunches under California’s Universal Meals Program. This allows for the wide variety of food our school provides that ensures every student has a meal every day. The menu includes many different meals that account for allergies, dietary restrictions, and students’ preferences so that no student goes hungry. However, because of the wide variety of foods, the school’s cafeteria food does have many options regarding its quality and taste.
Students have said that some of the portions of the food that are distributed are not enough, especially with meals such as chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, and more. One student commented, “I feel as if the portions are too small, and very limited because some foods run out right away.” Students definitely feel that the food can be distributed in bigger portions.
However, there are many things about the cafeteria that students love. The most favored item on the menu is the yogurt parfait. In an interview with Agoura freshman Annibelle Whetten, she stated, “All I eat is the yogurt. Trust. It gives me a reason to live. It gives me life and a purpose”. Additionally, Agoura senior Tea Hasa stated, “I like the yogurt parfait because it’s vanilla flavored”. The positive opinion of the yogurt parfait stems from its taste, versatility, and simplicity.
Other favorites on the lunch menu are the orange chicken and rice, popcorn chicken, mozzarella sticks, vegan burger, crispy chicken sandwich, and cheeseburger. Agoura sophomore Aundrea Lyles said, “The only thing I like is the orange chicken,” and stated, “For lunch, the popcorn chicken or the crispy chicken sandwich is good.” Agoura junior Dheekshaw Gopinath expressed, “I really like their mozzarella sticks, and appreciate their vegan options, especially as someone who is partially vegetarian.” My personal favorite are the mini cheeseburgers.
As for snack items during nutrition, the cinnamon roll, the sausage in pancakes, the cereal, and the ham and cheese croissant are widely favored amongst students.
For the sides, the fruit cup and string cheese take the win. When asked about their favorite side, Agoura junior Grace Hennessey went as far as to mention “I live off those string cheeses.” Personally, I really like the distribution of the sides because students can take as many sides as they want. This is greatly appreciated when the main courses aren’t as satiating as we need them to be, or when we need them as an extra snack for later.
Students seem to love the mini snack shack next to the cafeteria and the vending machines. Many students love that they can buy chips and other snack items to have during nutrition, lunch, during their free periods, and before or after school.
Many students felt disappointed when they heard that the early breakfast was no longer offered. As a student who comes to school very early, the early breakfast gave me energy until nutrition, and many students, including myself, hope it will be brought back soon.
At the end of the day, the cafeteria food plays a huge role in helping students get through the school day. Because it provides students with free meals, it can supply all students with food and help them stay focused and energized throughout the school day. It ensures that no student has to worry about what they’re going to eat for breakfast or lunch, and gives students many choices depending on what they like to or can eat.
