Getting a Taste for Unhealthy
October 28, 2008 • written by Gerard Van Wijk
“Get a taste for healthy” is the motto regarding the district’s food policies, and strangely enough, McDonald’s and Subway aren’t so far behind. With the opening of Culver’s, more seniors will be going there for lunch, and they will certainly get a taste for unhealthy.
It is ridiculous that students would consume such foods, especially in their developing bodies. Instead of the good supply of nutrients that they need, these foods are rank with sodium, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. Although these are all good in moderation, they can be dangerous if not watched carefully. Chart Comparing Nutrition
Despite that McDonald’s generally does better than our school lunches in terms of cholesterol and calories (McDonald’s has less), it is the fat (in the fries and nuggets) and protein (in everything but the fries) where the school lunches are healthier. Culver’s does not even compare in nutrition, and it is just bad for one’s wellbeing.
Subway seems to be the better choice (among the school, Jimmy John’s and Subway) for sandwiches when considering calories, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber, and is really only worse in its protein count. Jimmy John’s tries harder than Culver’s to be good for its customers, but it is a feeble attempt. Their sodium is under control, but the fat is through the roof in comparison to the school and Subway sandwiches.
After looking at the nutrition facts for four fast food facilities next to school food, it can clearly be seen that the school’s food program may not be as healthy as most would think. However, it is not so terrible as to be avoided altogether, but Subway may be a better choice. Ultimately, students would be better off bringing their own lunches to school.
Filed Under Op/Ed, Viewpoints
Tagged: culver's, fast food, Food, health, jimmy john's, lunch, mcdonald's, nutrition, subway
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The school’s “healthy foods” policy is a joke. Most of the healthy foods cost much more than the main course of pizza or Italian dunkers. Even with the policy of a free extra fruit or vegetable item, they make you go back in the line to get it. Nobody in their right mind would wait another ten minutes just for an apple. It is a problem when it is cheaper, including gas, to go to McDonalds and get a couple Dollar menu items than to get the same amount of food from our cafeteria.