Every day at school, we're served lunches that taste like carbonated plastic, leaving us hungry and dissatisfied. It's time to admit that our school lunch quality has hit rock bottom, with meals that lack both flavor and nutrition. As students, we deserve better for our health and well-being.

The current state of our school meals is not just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant problem affecting our daily lives and potential. With such poor quality food, students are unable to enjoy their meals, often choosing to skip them altogether. This directly impacts our ability to concentrate, learn, and perform academically.

Nutritional guidelines suggest that school lunches should provide a balanced diet to support student growth and development. Yet, our meals are typically low in essential nutrients – a far cry from what experts recommend. According to the CDC, a balanced meal contributes to better cognitive function, fewer school absences, and improved mental health. We are not receiving these benefits.

Let’s propose a change in our school lunch program by collaborating with nutritionists and local food producers. By incorporating fresh, local ingredients and varied menu options, we can transform our school lunches from something we barely tolerate into meals we enjoy and look forward to. Implementing a nutrition education program can also empower us students to make healthy choices for life.

The image shown is our ACTUAL lunches served!  While the school tells us "you can always get a wrap instead", the question is..  WHY is this served to begin with?  Let me give you some examples. 

At the Pittsylvania County Schools in Virginia, it seems as if Gordon Ramsey himself helped to come up with their menu!  No seriously while not fine dining or gourmet level, it's a far cry from what we are served.
https://www.pcs.k12.va.us/departments/school_nutrition/menus/browse_our_lunches

The La Grande School District  in Oregon also has some very nice options.
https://www.lagrandesd.org/page/lgsd-food-service

D.C. Everest Schools in Wisconsin has multiple options.  Their Chili looks really good!
https://www.wausaudailyherald.com/story/news/local/everest-herald/2018/01/16/school-meals-lessons-evolve-promote-healthy-living-dc-everest-school-district/1037119001/

These are just a few examples of Middle School lunches served in our country (don't get me started about OTHER countries school lunches, they ARE gourmet!).  I am not suggesting that we have gourmet or near gourmet, but rather I am saying that we as the recipients of these nearly inedible meals should not be subject to conditions of contracts with vendors providing lower than the de-minimus in sub-standard school lunches.  

We are truly a great school district!  We have amazing technology, amazing teachers (except those who give homework on break - you know who you are) and I have some of the best friends anyone could ask for!  Meal time is not just for nurishing our bodies, but it's also a social activity to nurish our social and mental health as well.  If there ever were a party pooper, this food is it!

Please sign this petition to urge our school administrators to help find ways to provide better-quality meals. Together, we can advocate for changes that will positively impact our health and academic performance. Let's make our voices heard and demand the nutritious, delicious meals we deserve!