With the increase in enrollment at MSD causing various discussions about conditions throughout school, school lunch serves as one of the most prominent topics. Students feel one of two ways about it: they are appalled by the food served or they don’t mind it.

MSD school lunch is mediocre to say the least because of its food options and variety. Despite being free to all students on campus this school year, not many actually enjoy eating it. Most of the students who do eat school lunch eat it simply because they cannot find the time to prepare their own lunches or are not fortunate enough to afford bringing their own food everyday to school.

Lunch served at MSD features unappealing meals such as corn dogs, mac and cheese and empanadas. Furthermore, if students wish to eat one of the better meals or snacks offered, they’ll have to pay for them because other beverages and snacks are not accounted for in the inclusive free lunch.

The only beverage students can get for free is variations of milk: chocolate milk, strawberry milk and 2-percent reduced fat milk. Absurdly enough, water costs around $1.50, along with other drinks such as juice boxes and iced tea. Added snacks like chips and cookies also cost extra for students.

Beyond charging students for other drinks and snacks, the school lunch lacks much nutritional value, despite enforcing that every student’s meal is supposed to have a fruit and vegetable of some sort on the side. This does not actually provide students with any meaningful nutritional value they need for the rest of their lengthy school day.

Students also end up throwing out all other food they don’t eat from their lunch, contributing further to food waste.

Additionally, MSD school lunch does not have enough allergen-friendly options such as gluten free, vegan or vegetarian. MSD, as well as other Broward County Public Schools, needs added funding towards lunch for students.

MSD should work together with students to provide lunch alternatives students can enjoy and provide the adequate nutrition students need. With added funding from the district, school lunch can provide tastier meals more students will enjoy.

To improve the school lunch, they should serve meals with higher nutritional value that also appeal to schools. Students typically enjoy noodles, sandwiches and salads; these lunch options can help attract more students to school lunch, while still remaining relatively healthy. Beverages and added snacks should be made free, and milk should not be the primary beverage option.

Not only will better school lunch improve student experience, but it’ll also contribute to the welfare of the school. If students are content with their school and its environment, it could lead to an overall more positive environment for students. These changes will significantly improve how students view school lunch and will provide a healthier, tastier future for students who eat school lunch.