Cafeteria Food Reviews From Students

By Kenzie Gibson and Mackenzie Ault

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We interviewed students of PHS about their personal opinions on school lunches from the cafeteria. One of the most popular answers from students was they felt there were not large enough portions of food. Students also mentioned that some foods that are disliked by most, (for example, carrots) and students would rather replace them with something else. Some suggested that watermelon would be a better alternative. Kids also recommended that, when the cafeteria serves sandwiches, they have options of building their sandwiches with different meats. A sandwich bar, if you will. Additionally, students said that the school’s food is not 100 % authentic. One student even went as far as saying, “Even Mc Donald's chicken is more real than this chicken.” 8 out of 10 students interviewed agreed that the food is not authentic, and that it tastes like it’s from a weird old factory, or like it’s reused from a past meal. Students also mentioned that it would be nice to eat outside on occasion, as well as have a soda or sweet with their lunch now and then. Every student we interviewed said school lunch should be free, and that the vending machines should be turned on during lunch. “If you're going to give us limited portions then at least give us the option to buy a little more food if needed some days”, one student mentions.

When the students were asked about their favorite and least favorite meals, they concluded that there were many pros and cons to each meal. Many students said that they enjoyed a meal, but some aspects of it made the meal quality lessen. For example, nachos, a classic school lunch. Many students had mixed opinions on the nachos. Some said it was their favorite, but were disappointed that it often had stale chips. Others claimed the nachos were gross, greasy, and their least favorite school meal. Another example is teriyaki chicken and rice. A number of students claimed the chicken was often dry and the rice was tough, which made the flavor not at all enjoyable. Overall, students wonder; “Why do we pay for a lunch we don't even like?”.