Can anyone explain to me why in the world school lunches are so expensive but yet the food is terrible? This just really bugs me. I generally pack my son's lunches because then I know that they have food that is good for them but there are kids that eat the school lunches just because they get the cheaper due to state funding but why in that case can they not at least make them somewhat good and better for you to eat?

I have no idea why it is like that. I do know though that the food they serve (which I agree with is terrible) is quick and easy to warm up and that is probably the reason for why they chose these food.

Do you mean terrible as in bad choices tater, or terrible as in terrible tasting / not appetising? Too many schools serve junk & use the excuse 'it's all the kids want' in my opinion.

Both really. It is certainly not good for you health wise and if you ask me tastes awful. Yet they are still so expensive. I just don't get that.

Parents should really demonstrate aout this. What's the sens of trying to raise a healthy eater if when that child goes to school, he is bombarded with all kinds of junk for food?

I do not let my little one eat school lunches. I like to know what he is eating. Also, one of the recent meat recalls included meat sent to our school!

I really cannot see why schools don't take better care of the students in terms of food. A lot of parents are paying good money for school lunches, you would think that school lunches would at least have a little bit more nutrition, and maybe even taste good.

Originally Posted by Jewel

I really cannot see why schools don't take better care of the students in terms of food. A lot of parents are paying good money for school lunches, you would think that school lunches would at least have a little bit more nutrition, and maybe even taste good.

It really wouldn't be so difficult to make nutritious things instead of the junk.... *but* I think in that case the kids wouldn't buy lunch often and then the school board would be after the food people for losing money.

I think that it's extra important to serve healthy breakfast and dinner if the kids might be getting "not so healthy" things at school. It would be great to see some guidelines set about this!

My daughter only has classes in the afternoon so she never gets to eat lunch at school, but yes, I suppose school lunches should be more on the healthier side since they are catering to children with developing bodies, and those of whom need all the strength they can get to last them the day. I know a lot of parents who simply pack their kid's lunch because they just don't feel comfortable having their kids eat the food their schools provide.

If parents would gather together and choose a committee to represent them and if that committee would go every day at lunch time at school to check the food and eventually complain about , I think things will change . It's an effort from parents but is worth in long run.