Reversing the Food Drop-Off Ban

IVAN HO & LEANNE ANG

STAFF WRITERS

Some students at AHS have developed a routine of picking up their lunches from the front gate. Most of them spend their day in school learning, while looking forward to the meal they would receive. However, since Aug. 10, 2017, a district-wide policy prohibiting food drop-offs was put in place for the health and safety of all students. This ban has prevented students from receiving and eating the meals they are accustomed to and  parents from bringing lunches they have made to them, which is causing inconvenience to both students and parents.

The main basis for this new policy is to prevent students from harm because the staff is not always aware of what some meals may contain, which could pose as a health hazard. Also, the fact that those who drop-off these meals cannot always be identified as parents or guardians makes it even more concerning for the staff on campus. The risks that come with drop off is too great for the schools and district to take responsibility for.

Due to the policy warranted, students have no choice but to bring their own lunches or eat the school lunch. Bringing their own meals could mean a cold or spoiled meal after four to five hours of class. Also, students who do not usually consume school lunches can have a difficult time, especially those who follow a strict diet due to religious or athletic purposes. This could pose a problem to the students, as they would need to get used to the school lunch, or  bring their own in the morning, which could be a hassle while carrying books.

Although the goal of this ban is to protect the students, it is unnecessary to shut down the service that the district had provided for many years. Allowing parents to drop off meals for students assures them that their children are eating properly. It also makes it easier for students to follow their own diet that they have been accustomed to or are required to. In order for students to do well in school, the district should enable students to integrate their dietary needs into their school life.

Instead of preventing students from picking up their lunches, there should be a system that gives them the opportunity to receive their meals in a safer manner, such as through a more thorough inspection of the individuals delivering meals. The school could also have parents sign waivers or similar documents to allow them to drop off lunch. With all these possible solutions, the school should not completely stop the lunch drop-off system, as this would result in an inconvenience of the students and their diet. Such an inconvenience can evolve into an issue that disrupts the school and its students.