School lunches don’t always fit the stereotypical image of unhealthy, bland food. However, just because they look fine doesn’t necessarily mean they provide all the nutrients students need to stay healthy.
School lunches typically range from 100 to 800 calories, but children aged 9-13 require between 400 and 600 calories per meal. This means many school lunches either have too many or too few calories. For example, a meal of mashed potatoes, chicken bites with gravy, and a roll contains 794 calories, while a Birria burrito bowl offers just 106 calories. In contrast, meals like orange chicken, with 420 calories, provide an appropriate amount. But it’s not just about calorie counts—students’ nutritional needs are also influenced by their activity levels. If kids are more physically active, they may need fewer calories, while less active students might require more.
Several factors affect a child’s caloric needs. For example, a child who experiences a growth spurt early may need more calories than their peers. Metabolism also plays a role—some children burn energy faster and may need extra calories, while others may require fewer. Additionally, a child’s level of physical activity is a key factor. Less active children might need more calories to maintain a healthy weight, while more active children may need fewer to avoid gaining excess weight.
The enjoyment of school lunches varies among students. One lunch worker shared that her favorite meals are the croissant French toast bake, tacos, and Birria burrito bowls. Student Jackson Brauning commented, “I think all of the school lunches are good and healthy.” However, Nathan Drennan disagreed, stating, “The school lunches are alright, but I don’t think they’re that healthy.”
When it comes to fruits, the issue isn’t necessarily what is offered but what students actually choose to take. Schools are required to provide fruit, but it’s up to students to decide whether to take it and, more importantly, to eat it. If students don’t consume the fruit they select, it defeats the purpose of offering it in the first place.
Ultimately, it’s up to each student to choose enough food to meet their own nutritional needs. While school lunches are designed to offer balanced meals, it’s important for students to make responsible choices to ensure they’re fueling their bodies properly.
