By Adriana Barnes
Brevard High School offers its many students breakfast and at lunch each day. A common question in BHS and other schools as well is “exactly how healthy is school lunch?”
The school lunch menu is chosen every day by Carolyn Barton, the Director of Child Nutrition for Transylvania County Schools. She dictates the meal schedule each month and has to abide by strict regulations given out by the USDA.
The head of the BHS cafeteria is Becky Gant, who prepares meals that Barton picks out for the schools, along with the rest of her staff. The cafeteria staff has a two hour window to prepare the food that needs to be cooked or baked. That being said, they are allowed to set out the food for the salad bar that they offer in advance.
When asked how much of the cafeteria food is frozen, Gant said, “Over 85% of the food is frozen, and almost everything made from scratch has a frozen element.” Some examples of frozen foods are fried chicken, pizza, and mozzarella sticks. She did say that it is still a healthy option because “all of the food provided from the school is baked; we do not deep fry anything except squash.” She also said, “We work hard to try provide healthier options to the students and staff.”
Students are not the only ones with concerns about the health and nutrition in the lunchroom. Science teacher Jan Galloway said, “I do not think school lunches are very healthy because of the way they are served. The food is left uncovered for at least an hour and everyone touches the same serving spoons.”
BHS principal Jeremy Gibbs said, “It would be easier if school lunch regulations were determined by counties, because USDA regulations make it nearly impossible to buy locally, which could increase the healthy options, and help support local farms. However, school lunch is a healthier option than fast food, and it is up to whoever is eating the food to make good choices.” Senior Cindi Wood said, “I think school lunches are fairly healthy, I wish there was other options than chicken everyday.”
Over 50% of the student body purchases school lunch, according to Gant. With so many people to cook for, the cafeteria staff has a lot on their plate. If the phrase “we are what we eat” is true, then it is up to the cafeteria staff and students to make healthy choices.