I am a student at Waubonsie Valley High School and every day, I eat lunch provided by the school. Unfortunately, the current portion sizes are far from satisfactory and do not provide the nutrition that I need. Like me, many other students face the same struggle with unfulfilling lunches. Based on the Dietary Guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, teenagers should be consuming about 1,800-2,400 calories a day, depending on the level of their physical activity. But the lunch provided is nowhere near these recommended portions, making it difficult to navigate the school day with enough energy and attention.

The school has a responsibility to feed its students well—it impacts our learning, our energy levels, and our overall health. Undernourishment can lead to a lack of concentration, which directly affects our performance in school. Increasing the portion size does not only comply with the established nutritional guidelines, but also demonstrates a commitment by the school to ensure its students' wellbeing.

We call on the administrative authorities of Waubonsie Valley High School to increase the portion sizes in the school's lunch program. This is not just a matter of satiety - it is a matter of health, education, and equality. Please sign this petition to show your support for well-nourished, thriving students.