Undoubtedly, we’ve all heard of those typical school food stereotypes. It’s true that at some schools, students would consider the food inedible or artificial or unhealthy — sometimes even downright appalling. Hey, is that mold on your apple? And why is this hot dog kinda slimy?
However, here at Menlo, the lunch provided is absolutely not mediocre. We are fortunate to have so much variety and choice for our lunches every day: from hot entrees to fresh fruit, soup and salad. But what’s upsetting is that some students don’t take advantage of these privileges that the school offers. Instead, they choose to hop in their car and take a trip downtown for an expensive bagel, $8 Starbucks drink or a Subway sandwich (which we can replicate for free, right here at Menlo). Though the allure of outside food from your favorite restaurants can be tempting, here’s why you should stay at school to eat your lunch.
First, it will cost you less. While a few meals out here and there might not seem exorbitant in the short term, just two weeks of $15 meals will deprive you of $150. It adds up quickly — and once you get in the habit, it’s hard to turn back. Why be so hard on your wallet and go out of your way when there are plentiful food options included in your tuition at your very fingertips? The quality of school food is just as high, if not higher, than most food you could purchase at restaurants downtown — and often without the copious amounts of fat and oil. While a tasty lunch at Chipotle or the like can be a treat for the taste buds, sustenance is ephemeral. Eating food from school provider FLIK and saving that money for future use is always wise.
Besides, FLIK knows what they’re doing — Menlo’s school lunch is designed to meet nutritional needs and guidelines and ensure that students receive a balanced meal. The many menu options we’re given, compared with so many other schools, are creative and provide a plethora of choice while not being too overwhelming. This lets you pick exactly what you want to eat without staring at endless menus.
Furthermore, in its salad and deli bars, Menlo allows students to build their own meals, ensuring they can eat whatever they want to eat and match their personal tastes. This can be much more satisfying than pre-made options at restaurants, where customization might even cost you even more. What, you’re telling me extra avocado isn’t free? What’s more, the Menlo cafeteria often incorporates popular flavors and cuisines from different cultures as well, making meals more exciting and appealing to our diverse student population.
Menlo lunch is also familiar. You know you can count on it to be good quality and nutritious, while those factors can be a gamble at other food places. Here, you don’t even have to think about what you’re consuming: you can ensure that Menlo takes the right steps to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences without having to stress about it yourself.
Going downtown to eat constantly can also be wasteful. School lunch is deliberately made in bulk, which leads to overall less packaging or waste compared to individually packaged items from takeout or restaurants. Eating school lunch can also cut down on food waste — and while one student may not feel like eating at school will have a mindblowing impact, little actions can still make all the difference. Contributing to sustainability at school is something you should take part in, no matter what.
Of course, there’s no harm in treating yourself to lunch downtown once in a while, but moderation is what’s important here. While it may be fun to have an escapade with your friends and enjoy a meal outside of the school environment, doing so excessively is unwise.
