It seems as if there is another problem with the beverages at Lake Shore High School. Every day along with their school lunches, many students get their choice of a fountain drink, whether it is pink lemonade, ice tea or other non-carbonated drinks. As some upperclassmen may remember, two years ago students were allowed to enjoy pop at lunch and then that got taken away. Now, fountain drinks all together are being taken away from us and many students are left wondering, “why?”
Mr. Mark Platt, the director of school lunches here at Lake Shore told us that this isn’t just the school wanting to take away something we enjoy, but it is a nationwide law. There is a whole list of new guidelines taking effect where no soft drink can have more than 66 calories, among many other rules. Stricter versions of these rules are also being placed in effect at the middle and elementary schools. This may seem harsh, but this is the last of changes expected to take place in the school’s lunchroom.
The reason behind the removal of the fountain drinks is probably a pretty obvious one: to make children healthier. With obesity being one of the leading diseases among kids, this is “a step in the right direction,” states Platt. He also explains that “the government can’t control what goes on in your house, but they can control what children are consuming in schools.” The whole idea of making schools healthier isn’t a new thing, the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ that explains the guidelines of healthier drinks, was completed on May 3, 2006. The whole process has been slow, but by next school year students definitely won’t be returning to fountain drinks.
When asked if Mr. Platt really believes that this will better the health of teenagers he said, “there’s mixed reactions anytime something is taken away.” He believes that students will get used to it and it seems like they’ll have to, because we can’t change the law. He explained that there is nothing they can do if students bring in their own soft drinks, but he believes it won’t be too big of an issue since students rely on convenience and buying lunch from the school is much more convenient.
Lake Shore sophomore, Sara Coppola said, “I think it’s stupid because the food is (just as bad) if not worse, calorie wise. If they want to make kids healthier, they should get rid of the gross fattening foods sold.”
By the month of June, students should be prepared to see less and less options, since they won’t be receiving any more shipments. Even though many people think this is an unfair change, Mr. Platt wants students to understand that it’s not because Lake Shore is being cruel, it’s because it’s the law.