Opinion

Is School Food Getting Healthier?

Brandon Corado, John Stansberry, Diego Calderon and Joshua Martinez

May 27, 2026

Introduction

Our school food system is undergoing a significant transformation moving away from greasy burgers and sugary snacks to more nutritious and wholesome options. This is happening by a growing awareness of the impact of diet on student health. School food has actually been getting healthier over the years. Schools are trying to add more fruits, vegetables and healthier meals while cutting down on junk food and sugary drinks. To learn more about these changes me and my partners interviewed social studies teacher Mr Campbell about what he noticed with school lunches and how it affects students.

our school cafeteria during lunch time has become healthier compared to years ago, there are more healthy choices like salads fruits ,cups and milk. Schools are trying to help students eat better because healthy food can help students focus and have more energy during class.

Story continues below advertisement

Interview with teacher

Question 1 have you noticed students having more energy or staying awake better in your morning classes lately.

Mr Campbell said that he teaches Juniors so with all of the AP testing students seem more tired also because it’s close to the end of the school year, so students have been more tired than energetic. Sometimes they don’t even have the energy to do work in class.

My partners and I have seen that students can eat healthier foods at school today. Many lunches now include apples, carrots, salads, or whole grain foods. Even though some students still prefer pizza and fries, healthier options are becoming more common.

Question 2 in your opinion does what a student eats for lunch change how well they participate in class.

Mr Campbell said that yes what students eat at lunch can affect how they act and participate in class he has seen that some students have more energy when they eat something good or nutritious during lunch so yes what a student eats at lunch can affect how they act in class Mr Campbell.

Students choosing healthier foods

More students are starting to choose healthier foods during lunch. Some students still buy chips or snacks from the student store, but many students now eat fruits and vegetables or salads with their meals now.

Question 3 Do you see more students bringing their own junk food from home now that the cafeteria is healthier.

Mr Campbell said that yes he has notice that lots of students are now starting to bring or buy food from the student store because maybe they don’t like the food they serve in the cafeteria or the options they give, but yes i have seen many more students have been bring or eating more junk food now said Mr Campbell.

Donate to The Advocate News @Hawkins

$60

$1200

Contributed

Our Goal

Your generous donation will support the student journalists at Augustus F. Hawkins High School. It will allow us to print the newspaper and mental health magazine, purchase or repair equipment, cover our annual awards banquet and other expenses.

Su generosa donación apoyará a los estudiantes periodistas de la Escuela Secundaria Augustus F. Hawkins. Nos permitirá imprimir el periódico y la revista de salud mental, comprar o reparar equipos, cubrir nuestro banquete anual de premios y otros gastos.

About the Contributors

Brandon Corado, sports photographer

Brandon Corado, is in his first year of high school, getting to know people at this new school. He is thinking about doing sports but not sure, which kind. He likes American football and soccer. He will probably try out for them both. In journalism class he plans to become a sports photographer. Other hobbies? He loves listening to music by ATM Danny, playing Call of Duty video games, and sleeping at home is his comfortable bed. Brandon said, “My first year is going well. I made friends and like to get good grades or at least try to get good grades.” Brandon loves listening to music when drawing, hoping to open his own tattoo shop after graduating from Augustus F. Hawkins High School. He’s not sure if he is going to college after high school, however he is willing to try his best for the rest of his high school career.

John Stansberry

John Stansberry is someone who like to play soccer, he likes playing games with friends from time to time, he likes to hangout out after school and stuff, he also like to spend time alone from time to time and to hang out with his family most the time. Hes likes to walk his dogs when he gets home. Sometimes when he is bored he goes on little walks and just has time alone to himself and stays key to himself. he also likes to ride his bike with his younger brother and just go from a few blocks to another few blocks when he doesn’t really have anything else to do. The main things John likes to do would be playing soccer and riding bikes is what he likes to do the most out of most activities.

Diego Calderon

Diego Calderon is a freshman, class of 2029. He also has many hobbies like playing video games, playing acoustic bass guitar, listening to music and sleeping. Sometimes he works for his dad fixing cars and he also likes reading books at night such as “Atomic Minds,” ”Can’t Hurt Me” or “The Champions Mind.” He is very hard working and dedicated to self improvement.

Joshua Martinez, Sports Reporter

Joshua Martinez is an outgoing and hardworking student in the Class of 2027. He is captain of the Hawkins varsity soccer team, where he led by example and encouraged his teammates both on and off the field. Soccer is a big part of his life, and he enjoys the competition, teamwork, and dedication it requires. In addition to soccer, he also plays baseball, which has helped him develop discipline and strong leadership skills. he enjoys staying active, meeting new people, and taking on new challenges. As an upcoming senior, he looks forward to continuing to grow as a student, athlete, and leader.