School lunch is something every Ayala student experiences daily, but opinions on it can vary. Though some eagerly sprint to get to the lunch lines, others may simply pass on the daily pizza lunch. To the hundreds of students who buy lunch either daily or occasionally, it poses the question of what students actually enjoy about their school lunch.
A popular dish that many students rave over is the Mango Habanero Wings Box served on Fridays. A single box contains 5 wings, a biscuit, and tater tots to pair with it. Every week, many students on campus are seen in the lunch lines, cutting and pushing, all to get what is considered the “best meal of the week.”
“This meal is what makes my lunch exciting, and it gives me something to look forward to during the week. It is not that bad, but also not super appealing,” Jenny Xu (10) said.
Despite the crowds of students desperately trying to get a hold of the famous wings, some students say it’s one of the few decent options on the menu. Complaints often focus on the dry interior of the biscuit and the tater tots, with the wings themselves being the main highlight. Many students consider the overall meal mediocre, which raises questions about how other meals compare.
“I think if the school lunches were catered to the taste of the students, it would be better,” Amielle Burog (10) said.
Despite the same lunches everyday for the students, every meal is expected to be paired with the same two things: fruits and a drink of students’ choice. This balance of food is meant to give students a consistent mix of nutrients while still keeping meals simple and easy to serve. Continuing from the idea of consistency, many students say the standard fruit and drink pairing is something they’ve grown used to, even if they wish it changed more often.
“I have always enjoyed the meals that included fruits and vegetables, they’re nutritious and healthy. Ayala’s food actually tastes pretty good,” Danviga Karthik (10) said.
Not only do these nourishing foods provide the flavor for starving students, it helps students restore their energy to keep up with the rest of the school day. Aimed to be about four or five hours after the school day started, students always look forward to the delicious foods to satisfy their stomachs and minds after long, draining class periods of just pure schoolwork.
One theme was clear throughout the avid school lunch buyers: students appreciate the healthy options and effort put into school lunch; however they all want more variety, new flavors, and meals that better match students’ taste. As Ayala continues refining its lunch program, student feedback may play a key role in shaping future menus that feel both nutritious and enjoyable for everyone.
