Story By: Praise Aruwajoye, Ne’Vaeh Dudley, Michelle Holloway, Shantionia Laurel, Dominic McCament, Charles Fitzgerald, Taylah Qualls, Saniyah Ragsdale, Kortney Riley, Kaleb Smith, Udonus Strother, Hannah Wallace, Mo’Nique Williams, and Vivica Williams
Students have complaints about the daily lunch options they are served at Hazelwood East High School.
Students’ main concerns are that the food is neither filling, appetizing, nor cooked properly. Students often supplement or totally replace their school lunch with other options provided like vending machine snacks and Chick-fil-A.
Isaiah Batteast, a Junior at Hazelwood East, said, “If it ain’t Chick Fil’ A, I don’t eat ‘til I get home and it’s about 2 p.m. And if it ain’t nothing in the freezer then I just don’t eat.”
Many students feel as though not eating affects their academic performance. According to a study conducted by Campbellsville University, there are mental and behavioral consequences of not eating enough during the day. This could lead to poor academic performance.
“The times when I don’t eat, sometimes I don’t even eat breakfast because it stinks,” Says Jada Stevenson, a Sophomore. “I go the whole day without eating” “it gives me a headache and I won’t be able to focus in class.”
Although students may not like the food, it does meet nutrition standards as prescribed by the FDA.
“Does it look appetizing? Not so much,’” says Courtney Anderson, Nutrition and Wellness teacher at Hazelwood East High School. “I think what they serve is pretty healthy. It hits all of the food groups that students need.”
The Hazelwood School School District is aware of issues related to student hunger.
“As far as promoting healthy eating I know that the district has several initiatives in regard to that [healthy eating] available online and even in the cafeteria,” stated Elizabeth Havey, Associate Principal of HEHS.
The Cafeteria staff indicated that the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the way they operate. Everything has to be COVID safe.
“The format that we used to serve, you had opportunities to make a choice. So, hopefully, we get back to that soon,” says Debra Cazer-Harrell, Child Nutrition and Cafeteria Staff person.
Cazer-Harrell empathizes with student concerns. She invites any students to talk with her about their concerns.
“ They [students] need to let their voices be heard because if we don’t hear their opinions, we won’t be able to fix the problem.”
Mrs Wallace • Nov 4, 2024 at 2:03 pm
At the high school level students should be given more choices then what they have here. It is really concerning to hear that students would rather starve then to eat the school lunches.
Mr. Batchelor • Nov 14, 2021 at 11:34 pm
Good write up! I had no idea students were so put off by the food choices that they would rather go hungry. Thank you for shining light on an issue that could effect our student’s education.
Alicia Mata • Nov 12, 2021 at 7:40 pm
I am increasingly concerned about the junk food diet many students opt for when it comes to food and school. Maslow’s hierarchy shows that students have a harder time achieving their goals when their basic needs aren’t met. I encourage students to speak up respectfully and become a model for change.
Ms. Hollins • Nov 12, 2021 at 6:33 pm
It’s concerning that many students go without eating because they feel the school lunch isn’t an option. I hope students will make their voices heard to the leaders who can help make a change.
Jarnell Flowers • Nov 12, 2021 at 6:26 pm
Great article. Yes, lets listen to our kids!