Diets demand more choices
Limited food selections in school restrict students who have dietary concerns.
A large amount of students are currently on diets or have certain allergy restrictions, and there is a growing concern on whether the school cafeteria service is providing enough healthy options for these students.
Whether the diet is gluten free, vegetarian,vegan, or just a healthy diet, students all have the same selection of foods in the lunch line. Students often times find themselves buying a lunch or some snacks in between strenuous classes and activities, but a lot of students are finding that their are options limited.
“When I forget my lunch, I order from the sandwich line, but it’s hard because I’m gluten free so I can really only eat the meat,” said Hanna Isselhardt, sophomore. “It would be easier if there was a gluten free option for bread.”
The question remains on whether the school should provide for these students and accommodate to their specific dietary needs.
“There should for sure be more of a selection for those students with special diets and the school should provide to as many students as they can,” said Rose Johnson, staff member in the cafeteria.
Quest, the school’s food service provider, changes the lunch menu each week and strives to offer vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Some students would like to see more options available.
The meals served such as Bosco sticks, pasta, sandwiches, and fried chicken nuggets, often contain ingredients that students are sensitive to or restricted against. The snack line is stocked with chips, granola bars, frozen yogurt, and cookies. While the cafeteria often serves fresh fruit and vegetables, students find these options aren’t as abundant as the plentiful collection of pre-packaged food.
Reagan Wright, senior, has been a vegetarian for more than a year and would like more options.
“There really aren’t any healthy options so I don’t typically buy from school, unless it is a granola bar or chips as an emergency snack throughout the day,” Wright said.
While the school has already implemented gluten free vending machines and a few healthy options, many students still want more.
“The new gluten free vending machine does not have common or good gluten free snacks. Also it only sells snacks…I couldn’t buy a meal from the machine,” Isselhardt said.
Ideas for more gluten free options or serving vegetarian meals are being suggested in hopes for more future options. Until then, most students enjoy the salad bar choices on Wednesdays.
