The food we eat: Baltimore students
speak on school lunches
By Tianna Hunt | OCTOBER 19, 2021
Image Credit: Jamar Snipe
THe STATE OF SCHOOL LUNCHES
The pandemic has caused many changes in our daily lives. But one thing seems to have remained the same - the state of school lunches. In a survey shared with Baltimore high school students, data showed that the majority were rather unimpressed but not surprised by the food they returned to.
In 2010 (pre-covid), the Healthy Hunger-Free Schools Act changed school meals to fit a more nutritious diet. This was to ensure that students were eating a good amount of fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy meals daily. This manifested in the form of fruit served with lunch per day or vegetables shared on the side. Though the policy was implemented with good intentions, students in Baltimore have stated that school lunches have never tasted the same.
The survey of sixteen questions sent out on September 22, 2021, received fourteen responses, with the majority of students bearing similar opinions. 85.7% of respondents were high school seniors, and the remaining 14.3% were sophomores. Each student represented traditional public and charter schools across the city.
When asked to describe the state of school food, the majority of respondents used the words: “Dry,” “nasty,” and “bland.” A common concern was that cafeterias were serving mainly cold lunches for the first few weeks, and when hot lunches were served, they tasted unseasoned and rushed.
Tayanita Watson from Baltimore City College revealed that lately, she has observed that students have been relying more on vending machines instead of the provided food because the snacks they received were more fulfilling than the meals served. She stated: “Sometimes I try to bring my own lunch, and when I forget I just stay hungry for the day because the food is unpleasant. A lot of people order food to the school after lunch as well.”
INTERVIEWS WITH STUDENTS
What can be done to improve the quality of food provided?
“Better options honestly. It would help if they had more help in the kitchen so then we can have more homemade meals.” - Kennedi H, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“They should give us real food instead of dog food.” - Tanaisha J, City Neighbors High School
“This might simply be a lack of funding, which is a whole other problem, but Poly has run out of the main meal some days and students have had to eat the peanut butter and jelly alternative, which generally isn't a fun experience. Having more...food could help. Also, making the food in the moment instead of ahead of time. Sometimes hot food is cold which makes it harder to eat.” - Elisabeth P, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“More plant-based foods, less dairy, and meats.” - Sean S, City Neighbors High School
Has the quality of food changed since before and after quarantine?
While half of the respondents (50%) stated that the food quality had not changed, others had this to say:
“All we get is sandwiches and very rarely hot food.” - Keith C, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“Yeah, it got worse.” - Fabian C, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“It’s gotten worse after quarantine. Before I would at least be able to enjoy it, but now I see myself eating less or compromising with the PBJ sandwiches.” - Gael I, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“It seems to have decreased in variety of options.” - Malakai M, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Are you provided with enough time to fully finish your lunch on a daily basis? 43% said yes. 57% said no.
How often is food wasted at your school?
This question was asked on a scale from one to five. One being “frequently” and five being “rarely.” Of the responses received, 51.7% of respondents chose 1, admitting that food is frequently wasted at their school. Many went on to explain that this may be a result of the food being relatively unpleasant. 21.4% of respondents chose 2. And 7.1% of respondents equally choose options 3, 4, and 5.
Describe a bad experience you have had with the school's food or cafeteria staff.
“I have NEVER had a bad experience with my school’s cafeteria staff, they’re all extremely kind and do the best that they can.” - Malakai M, Poly
“I had to literally spit [the food] out. It was so nasty.” - Makensey V, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“The food is falling apart.” - Jamar Snipe, City Neighbors High School
“None so far. I don't usually eat the food most times because there is mostly nothing I like.” - Sean S, City Neighbors High School
“Had to throw up the milk I was given because it was either frozen with a weird texture or just smelled bad, has happened more than once.” - Gael I, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Any additional comments?
“The only time people want to eat school lunch is when they have pizza. I would like to see more enjoyable food. The food I would eat in elementary school is very different from what we eat now. Then we got hot food but now they mainly serve cold food. I’m not a fan of the pre-packaged stuff. I think there’s an emphasis on us not having unhealthy lunches, but I think they should serve sweeter things. These don’t have to be unhealthy. Like jam and toasted bread...stuff like that.” - Tayanita W, Baltimore City College
“The food is all the same and sometimes it’s not finished. I don’t like it. Also, the healthy option is literally just raw vegetables, I’m pretty sure there are other options that are healthy that don’t involve raw vegetables, with no other dipping sauces. Another thing is, we have no starches, no complete meal(s), and why is that!!!” - Kennedi H, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“Listen at Poly we have 29 minutes to get and eat food, that involves getting to the cafeteria and waiting in that long line. By the time you sit down you barely get to finish your food if you start eating right away. I understand the school lunch is free but goddamn.” - Fabian C, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
“Improvement needed badly.” - Sean S, City Neighbors High School
Based on the responses received it is safe to say that change is needed. Almost all respondents have found an issue with the food being served at schools. The next step is brainstorming and implementing solutions. These may include: increasing the budget provided, presenting food in an appealing manner, serving more hot food, ensuring fruits, vegetables, and milks are fresh, and making more flavorful meals. These simple steps could make a great difference.