Some students have their own reasons why they believe this should be allowed, not only for its independence aspect.
Alexis Lee, (Junior) comments, “A lot of kids here don’t like the food or honestly can’t eat it.”
This statement would pertain to kids with dietary restrictions such as celiac or other. The food offered is a “balanced diet” for American students. It contains fruit, vegetables, fibers, healthy carbs, and extra choices that provide nutrients or even just a snack.
In 2010, Michelle Obama created the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, it created the standard and blueprint that schools would be meant to follow. Eating habits are important for quality of life. Eating healthy foods and having a balanced diet as a child will carry into adulthood and into later generations.
Creating these habits young and preventing childhood health concerns will help them for the future. The consideration to these restrictions cannot always be accounted for, given the time to refresh the food within lunch bells, and how many kids to feed.
Oftentimes, kids in school simply won’t eat for the nearing 7 hours they are at school, or just away from home because of the options. As well as the fact that some frequently forget to bring a lunch. Our school being positioned so nearby to many accessible food options, it’s a shame they are barred to go to them.
“I feel like seniors and juniors should be able to because we’re almost adults and should be able to sign back in and out if we want.” Amari Johnson (Senior).
Many would agree with this; with so many kids nearing adulthood, they want to feel responsible for themselves and enjoy some freedom from a long school day.
Dean Franks commented, “I think students should have the ability to leave school if they are responsible and get to class on time.” Unfortunately, the district completely prohibits students from leaving campus for any reason without permission.
It has been defined that students would greatly appreciate this change in the school system. As would many administrators. Yet, the problem persisting is that our school system follows the Santa Rosa County School District’s closed campus district rule. Other schools don’t have food spots as nearby as GBHS does; therefore, the ability to go off campus is unsafe and not possible for many.
The school being responsible for all students brings up concerns if a student cannot make it back on time. It broadens the possible places they could be if something threatening happens. Allegedly, this was once possibly allowed at GBHS. Because of the advantages our school’s location has with food spots, compared to others, we should be able to advocate for our school and its students to at least be able to experiment this and see how it goes.