School lunches have been a debated topic, not only at the local and state levels but at the national levels as well. What young, developing adolescents put in their bodies is imperative to their performances in school as well as their physical and mental growth. Younger kids at the elementary level don’t have as big of stomachs, their bodies don’t require nearly as many calories and small portions are okay. Although older teens at the high school level have higher dietary requirements, it is crucial to their growth as well as their athletic and scholastic performances to get the necessary amount of daily calories and proper nutrition.

What children are fed is of the utmost importance, but when they are guaranteed ultra-processed food, they should at least be getting the minimum amount of daily calories. For high school students, UC Health says, “Some ballpark numbers for older teens are about 3,000 calories a day, but more active athletes may need up to 5,000/daily.” With a quick search on Mealviewer, the software Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS) uses for school nutrition information, the despairing truth quickly makes an appearance. Specifically, Fauquier High School (FHS) students are fed the same 336-calorie, 3 chicken tender meal, as Brumfield Elementary School students. What’s even more surprising is that the high school has a 40 cents upcharge. FHS students pay $3.60 per lunch compared to Brumfield’s $3.20. SueAnn Fox, the FCPS Director of Nutrition said, “The 40 cent upcharge is because high school students get two fruits and two vegetables with their meals. On top of this, the sandwiches [chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers] are slightly larger than middle and elementary schools.” Unfortunately, most students don’t take advantage of this. Even with an extra fruit cup, a high schooler is still hungry. On top of this, the high school charges for double lunch, which most students here eat. Senior Hayden Chapman commented, “I always get double lunch. I just don’t get full with one.”

Many athletes face a worse scenario. Most athletes bring their own food because what the school offers at their price just isn’t enough. Jacob Glick, a varsity soccer player said, “In season I bring my own lunch and buy. Just buying isn’t enough at all to get me ready for practice.” Fox commented on the student-athlete issue, saying, “Meals are built around the average person, and don’t consider student-athletes who have different nutritional needs.” Fox also added, “Each lunch is strictly regulated, and every single calorie and macro is strictly controlled.”

It’s very unfortunate that high schoolers are fed ultra-processed food in such low proportions, but it isn’t a problem that just FCPS can fix. The USDA and other regulatory agencies have many strict guidelines for the Nutrition Program to follow and it severely restricts the foods and portions that the program can give. Fox added, “We charge for double lunch because it is legally mandated, once a student wants to eat outside of the controlled calories and sodium it is classified as ‘extra.’” The problem isn’t just here, but it’s something bigger, and students definitely need more to eat. However, Fox wanted to make sure students knew that “We are making an effort to try and give students what they would like to eat. One thing we’ve added is the international line, [which includes] the Chipotle-inspired, the Italian and Asian [lines]. We’ve also tried Indian but it didn’t work out as well.” Hopefully, FCPS can keep improving lunches, however, it needs to try and push for increased portions for older teens. The restrictions are definitely a challenge, but high schoolers need more, and the school should be able to provide that.

Sources

https://www.uchealth.org/today/the-fuel-calories-a-teenager-needs-for-healthy-mind-and-body/#:~:text=Still%2C%20some%20broad%20ballpark%20numbers,need%20up%20to%205%2C000%2Fdaily.
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/BrumfieldElementary
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/FauquierHigh
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1710428730/fcps1org/wtnlruvg6dneuqldhxst/FY24Budget.pdf
https://www.fcps1.org/about-us/departments/school-nutrition