School lunches have long been a topic of debate, balancing nutrition and taste to provide students with meals that fuel their day. Students and staff have varying opinions on it.
School lunch preparation can begin as early as 6:30 am, depending on the menu items. Some menus have to begin preparation as early as the day prior if it involves pasta.
“Eric Lawson, Head Cook, starts getting ready and preparing breakfast. Once breakfast is complete then he will begin the process of lunch prep for the other schools,” head of food service, Cindy Kacmarcik, said.
The high school kitchen is a “Satellite” kitchen, so it ships to the middle school as well as the elementary schools. Once breakfast is complete then they will begin the process of lunch prep for the other schools. The delivery driver, Ken Smith, leaves the High School for the elementary schools at approximately 10:00 am at which time Lawson will begin preparation for the high school hot lunch menu.
A majority of students at GHS enjoy the school lunch.
“I eat school lunch every day I’m here, and it’s pretty good. I really enjoy the pizza, that’s probably my favorite meal served,” junior Cole Spatta said.
Others aren’t the biggest fans of the lunch served.
“I think the school lunch is pretty mid honestly. I like the popcorn chicken because I mean it’s better than the other options. But the tortilla chips with the sauce are not good,” sophomore Cara Cornell said.
Some students prefer to not even eat the hot meals.
“I sometimes get a hot lunch, but it isn’t my favorite. I usually just get stuff from the hot bar or a bag of chips,” senior Audrey Gentry said.
There are about six different members on the staff who all do various things such as, assembling Salads, Parfaits, Veggie Cups, or Pizza, taking care of all of the Ala Carte snacks and beverages, and food prep for the Grill Line.
Many students at GHS hope for their favorite meals at lunch.
“I get school lunch every day. The walking taco is definitely my favorite because all the ingredients just go so well together. I know it’s going to be a good day when walking taco is on the menu,” senior Ethan Reyes said.
Some students even look forward to eating lunch here.
“The food they make here is pretty healthy, and really tasty. I get hot lunch everyday, and the pasta is delicious,” freshman Isabella Sincere said.
Overall students love and appreciate the kitchen staff here. The kitchen works hard to satisfy all of our needs, and do a great job.
