Within the last few years, the topic of school lunches has become one the most controversial subjects discussed among parents and students. The debate was sparked by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that went into effect in 2010. The bill allowed the government to control and change the items on school lunch menus across the country, so they were more nutritious.

While the intentions of the act are good, they are virtually useless to students who live in a world where junk food is all around them. Nothing is stopping these adolescents from going home after school and eating the unhealthy foods they want. In fact, it almost makes them want to do it more.

As an adolescent, there are very few decisions you get to make all on your own, and what you eat for lunch should definitely be one of them. Children should not be told how and what to eat by the government, but rather decide for themselves the type of lifestyle they want to have.

As the act has begun to spread across the country, students have scrunched their noses at the thought have having to give up fries and burgers in their cafeterias. When the rumor of healthier lunches hit Perry, most students’ responses were negative. The reaction from students has made it obvious that a more nutritious school lunch will not benefit them.

Healthy school lunches don’t make students want to change their eating habits or seek out more nutritional foods. Reforming school lunch menus won’t inspire kids to make healthier choices, but rather make them crave junk food even more.

One healthy meal during a child’s school week will not improve their health in any drastic way, nor will it satisfy their wants. If they can’t get it at school, students will find another way to get the junk food they want, whether it be at home or at a fast food restaurant. Either way, adolescents won’t be worrying about eating a healthy diet based on their healthier school lunch menu.

The cafeteria should remain a place where students get to have a say in what they’re putting into their bodies, without the help of the federal government.