It’s Thursday, and you’re looking forward to the Building Four Cafeteria’s signature Taco Plate Lunch. Just as you get in line, grab your food, and look for the churros, you find that there are none. After asking the cafeteria lady where your beloved churros are, she tells you that there is a new policy that promotes better health. But why?
Mr. Ben Egan explained that the cafeteria is now trying to provide healthier lunch options by cutting down on carbohydrates. By eliminating churros, the cafeterias cut down of sugars and carbs. According to myfitnesspal.com, a churro with sugar and cinnamon contains usually 24 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 10% of one’s recommended carb intake. Dr. Tom Sanders of Stanford’s School of Medicine stated that more than 74% of the teen obesity cases are caused by an overabundance of carbohydrates.
Many students were astounded to find this change in the cafeteria’s plan. Andy Lee (11) described how he felt, stating, “I love churros. I can’t believe the school’s not providing them anymore.” Lee also argued, “If the school were to not serve churros, [they] may as well just not serve the tacos.” Destin Kim (11), another proponent of the dish, added, “I understand how the school is trying to reduce the teen obesity rate, but I don’t see how limiting the carb diet can effectively promote good health.”
However, school officials respond that the regulation of food is only a start of a school diet reformation. Mr. Egan stated, “We will not only promote good health with the physical education programs, but also continue to provide better nutrients for the students.” The Torrance Unified School District, according to Mr. Egan, has vowed to improve our students’ health situations.
While many students oppose such changes to the cafeteria menu, some suggest that the new plan may have positive effects on the students. Daniel Tyler (11) argued, “I see how the cut-down on the carb diet can lead to a decrease in the teenage obesity rates. I also like how the school is willing to positively affect the students’ situations. There are not many schools that can accurately evaluate the need for a change and actually carry it out.”
Despite the opposition to the new food reform, it seems that the school will continue to bring more changes to the cafeteria’s lunch menus.