As a vegetarian, it is difficult to get adequate options to eat for lunch. While the school does a good job of accommodating dietary restrictions during brunch, there are limited options for those with dietary restrictions during lunch. While there have been occasional vegetarian meals, vegetarian options are a usually rarity, happening once every couple of weeks. And even if there is a vegetarian option, there are often not enough servings. When I hear the lunch bell, I know that I have to race to the lunch line and fight for a spot in line to get one of the coveted slices of cheese pizza (one of the only vegetarian options), or starve that day — this should not be the case. These daily meals offered “to ALL San Mateo Union High School District students” (SMUHSD Student Nutrition Policy) are in fact, excluding a group of students who, just like other students, also need nutritious lunches.
The primary option currently in place is the “fruit salad”; however, it is my belief that this meal is inadequate to fulfill the California state standard of making “available both a nutritiously adequate breakfast and lunch for, not just needy children, but all children each school day” (California Ed. Code Section 49501.5). These meals are low-calorie and low-protein. The only source of protein in the “fruit salad” is yogurt, but students who are vegan or have religious dietary restrictions on dairy are left with a couple pieces of fruit. Oftentimes, when asking for vegetarian options, I am met with exasperation and confusion or even turned away.
The solution I propose is nutritious vegetarian meals as a daily option. Foods such as tofu or beans are high in protein, relatively low cost and are friendly to vegetarians, vegans and all religious dietary restrictions.
I understand I am privileged to live in a state where free lunch is a fundamental right for students, but I believe all students should include those who hold dietary restrictions, whether by choice, religion or any other reason.
Written by Janak Bhuta
