Freedom in Food: What About a Student's Right to Choose What They Consume?

The bell rings for lunch, and students dash to the vending machine, eager to satisfy a craving for something salty or sweet with a snack of their choice. However, disappointment fills the lunchroom as students realize a sudden change in all their favorite lunchtime treats. This year, Coronado has decided to switch the snacks in every vending machine to their so-called “healthy” alternatives, without consulting the student body. Not only does this decision force food choices on students, but whether these new options are actually healthier is questionable. Junior Calysta Romero shares her thoughts on this unexpected change.  

“I don’t mind the healthy food, I just wish we got the chance to pick what we wanted to eat instead of having only healthy choices,” Romero said.

The fact that Coronado did not take the students into consideration prior to making these changes makes the decision feel forced upon the student body. No one is objecting to healthy choices, but it would be nice to have a variety to appease everyone’s taste. It also begs the question: are these new selections in the vending machine even healthier? While baked chips may have reduced fat, they are still heavily processed. Containing high amounts of sodium and artificial flavors, these “healthier” options aren’t much healthier than their regular, fried counterparts. Furthermore, due to their lack of flavor, many manufacturers of baked chips add sugar or excessive sodium to improve the taste. Students have begun to question just how healthy these new options really are. 

“I wish there was, like, a poll or something before they made this decision,” junior Lillian Horowitz states. “And if the sodium levels are about the same, why can’t I just go with the regular chips I know I’ll enjoy?”

Healthy food or junk food, the key is moderation, and it’s important we instill the idea of balance in Coronado students. Eliminating the “bad” choice from vending machines won’t help students learn how to make decisions that are right for them. High school is the time when students are able to experience greater freedom, and one of these freedoms should be picking what they eat during lunch, whether that be “low-fat” baked chips or a chocolate bar.

My Health, My Choice//Picking a snack in the middle of a school day should be an enjoyable stress-free experience. However, with the new change to healthy options, students have had opposing opinions. (Photo by Milana Garza)