The student center cafeteria, run by Sodexo, serves students lunches and snacks every day. Hot lunches come in two choices, A and B. A is the standard lunch while B in a larger portion and is sometimes a different food choice.

Although many students buy food at the cafeteria, it seems that more students buy from the snack line rather than the hot lunch line.

Sophomore Isabel Yeoh said, “I have noticed that the hot lunch line in the cafeteria is much shorter than the line for snacks. I think this happens because the hot lunch menus are not as popular as the snack choices are.”

Sodexo manager, Erin Awai said, “The hot lunch is popular with the lower school, but middle and high school like to choose items from the snack bar.”

One of the reasons for the snack bar being more popular may be that students prefer the menu in the snack line, rather than the hot lunch.

The hot lunches are healthier meals that have nutritional benefits for children and teens. These decisions follow Federal guidelines.

“Our hot meals are designed to meet one-third to one-half of the daily nutritional requirements for children of all ages;. These lunches include an entree, starch, fruit, vegetables and milk. We focus on serving reduced salt and fat options, lean protein, whole grains and vegetables,” said Awai.

Sodexo is a supporter of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation whose goal is to empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Awai said, “As part of this program, we will be continuing our focus on reducing fat, sodium and sugar in our kitchen. When students eat healthy foods, they perform better in school. You [students] can learn good habits for life by making healthy food choices and getting proper exercise daily. You [students] have the power to inspire to buy a healthy plate at school and at home. We ask that you [students] review the school menu, encourage you to try new food and eat the healthy foods offered.”