School lunch menus frequently offer meals that are not appealing to students, leading to food waste. Changing the lunch menu to fit students’ preferences can improve their satisfaction.
When students are able to choose between meals they like, they’re more likely to eat balanced meals, helping with better nutrition and healthier habits.
Offering multiple options from students’ preferences can improve variety. Engaged students are more likely to focus in class, as they aren’t distracted by hunger.
To improve the situation, schools can involve students in the menu planning process and can help to better understand their preferences.
WJPS can hold surveys or have a small number of student representatives gather input on what meals students would like to see offered.
Currently, the New York Department of Education offers a survey on its website, however it’s not promoted to students.
WJPS 11th grader Samantha Almonte said, “I think asking students what they would like to see served at lunch will make a greater difference to appeal to their appetites.”
WJPS 11th grader Valery Cardona said, “As a person who sometimes eats school lunches, I do think there can be improvement to the lunch menu. Adding student suggestions would make me want to eat more during lunch.”
Photo by Anisa Joy Himko
