School Lunches Research Paper

Words: 703
Pages: 3

School Food: What is your favorite school lunch? Is it Bosco sticks, pizza, or maybe even chicken and waffles? No matter what you choose in the school lunch line, there is a dire need to improve school food and the ingredients used to prepare it. A majority of school lunches statewide have been known to contain a plethora of harmful ingredients that, when consumed, can lead to health issues later in life and a significant increase in childhood obesity. School lunches can be hazardous to the health of students due to the copious amounts of chemicals within them. In September of 2022, parents and students, from 15 different states brought Moms Across America, also known as MAA 43 samples of food. Out of the 43 lunches sampled, the herbicide glyphosate …show more content…
It is clear that due to the harmful chemicals found within most school lunches, school lunches must undergo improvement. Second, MAA found hard metals in 100% of the 43 samples of school lunches taken. Some of you may be thinking that school lunches contain beneficial hard metals such as zinc or iron, but instead, these school lunches contain arsenic, which if eaten in bulk can lead to many illnesses such as cancer and skin lesions. The next metal found is cadmium, if consumed for too long it can lead to kidney disease and can also weaken bones. Another metal commonly found in the food in our school systems is lead, which can lead to lead poisoning at high levels. The last metal that is seen commonly in the lunchroom is mercury, which if consumed can lead to neurological and behavioral disorders. Some of the symptoms that have been found are tremors, insomnia, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive and motor dysfunction. School food is riddled with unhealthy ingredients, this needs to be stopped and …show more content…
MAA found that in 21% of the lunches there contained four veterinary drugs and hormones at high levels which can cause poisoning or overdose. Serving this food to children and sometimes adults alike is not okay. Maybe you should just pack your lunch for school next time. On the opposing side, former first lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, says “For many kids whose families are struggling, school meals can be their main -- or only -- source of nutrition for the entire day.” A common misconception is that school lunches are fairly healthy, and one of the most prominent believers of this myth is the Food Research and Action Center. FRAC claims, “School lunch is critical to students' health and well-being.” FRAC also states, "[it] ensures that students have the nutrition they need throughout their day to learn.” Although many sources believe that school lunches are beneficial for kids, that is not true. Lastly, childhood obesity is yet another major concern with school food. Children who eat their school lunches consume an extra 60 calories a day, with calorie increases of this magnitude being what leads to childhood