When most people think of school lunches in America, images of greasy burgers, salty fries, and sugary drinks come to mind. Unfortunately, this unhealthy meal is the norm in many high schools across the nation. While it’s true that there are some schools that are doing a great job of providing healthy options, the sad truth is that most high school cafeterias are still serving up meals that lack nutritional value.
For starters, the vast majority of school lunches are processed. According to a report from the American Heart Association, “processed foods, such as pre-packaged and microwavable meals, are often high in fat, sugar, and sodium and have few healthy nutrients.” This means that the majority of school lunches are filled with empty calories and little to no nutritional value.
Moreover, the food options offered in most high schools are often unhealthy. While these schools may offer some healthier options such as salads and fruit, they are often overshadowed by unhealthy options like pizza, burgers, and fries. These unhealthy choices tend to be cheaper and more popular, leading many students to choose them over the healthier options.
In addition to the unhealthy food options, many high schools are also serving up sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “more than one-third of high school students drink sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis.” This is concerning because these drinks are loaded with empty calories and can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Furthermore, many high schools are failing to provide nutritional information about the food they’re serving. Without this information, it’s difficult for students to make informed decisions about their meals. This lack of transparency is especially concerning since many schools are serving up meals that are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium.
Finally, the quality of school lunches is often lacking. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “many school meals are not prepared in accordance with USDA guidelines”. This means that meals are often not cooked properly or are left out too long, leading to food safety issues.
All in all, school lunches in America are not as nutritious as they should be. The majority of high school cafeterias are still serving up processed meals that are high in fat, sugar, and sodium. They are also offering sugary drinks, failing to provide nutritional information, and not preparing meals in accordance with USDA guidelines. If we want to ensure that our students are getting the nutrition they need, we need to do better.
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