This year, the school has introduced many new food options to the cafeteria. Some are healthier, some are more appealing, and some are just new dishes to try.

Cynthia Nelson said, “We have a lot going on this year, all approved by your Student Senate. I hope you’re familiar with your senators because those are the people who can advocate for your wants and needs. For this rotation, we’re aiming to offer a lot of variety. We’re working on a seven-week rotation, though it may be shorter if you want a few more options in between. Over these seven weeks, we will try to offer as many different items as we can. So let’s take a look at the new foods.

We’ve added the Birria Burrito Bowl, which has been really popular and highly requested. We’re also offering pasta bowls with three different sauces: Alfredo, butter sauce, and Bolognese. Teriyaki chicken is making a return, along with vegetable fried rice. This week, we’ll be adding crispy tofu to the menu as well. We’re offering Detroit-style pizzas twice a week instead of just once, and we’re now serving Italian sandwiches daily. You may have seen these at other schools; they feature provolone, sliced chicken, sliced pepperoni, and salami, with a side of pepperoni slices and a little dressing. If you add some tomatoes and lettuce, it’s a complete meal. I know you miss the crispy Chicken Ranch salads, so instead of chicken nuggets, we’re using sliced or diced grilled chicken, along with cucumbers, tomatoes, and Greek dressing. And I highly recommend trying it with feta cheese! We’re always looking for new items, different options, and things that are crave-worthy—stuff that you and your friends, or even your teachers or the lunch staff, will ask, ‘When are you bringing this back?’ We really value your feedback and appreciate it.”

Nelson continued, “Our healthy options include fruit and yogurt parfaits, gluten-free pizzas, vegan pizzas, chicken hoagie wraps, and Buffalo chicken wraps. You guys are sleeping on those Buffalo chicken wraps—they’re really tasty. If you like Buffalo sauce, don’t worry—it’s toned down with mayonnaise so it’s not too spicy or tangy. It’s just delicious. We also have a Greek chicken salad.”

Nelson also explained, “The Student Senate holds a meeting once a month, and the food department holds a tasting. The senators get to try the new items and vote on whether they should be added to the menu. Do students have a say? That’s the whole point of the Student Senate! You get to tell us what you want, and we try to make it happen. You even get to taste the new items before they’re added to the menu. It’s a great way to ensure the food reflects what you like. And as for which new dishes have been popular so far? I’d say the Birria bowls and the KFC-inspired bowls are the most popular, along with breakfast-for-lunch options.”

This is a great opportunity for the school to start offering better food, because good food can definitely make your day better. So, get ready to see all these exciting new options on the menu!