The state of our lunchroom has been in constant overhaul for years. Ever since America began blaming everything on education, we have seen unpopular variances to our menu. Sweet potato fries, as much as they were unwelcome, were only the beginning. The policies of our nation have provided another unwelcome change: mandatory health food. It’s unnecessary, disheartening, and causes entirely the wrong type of changes.

The United States is based on the right of personal choice. Keeping that in mind, you can easily see how meaningless the rule is. The rule tells us we must take one-half cup of fruits or vegetables. It states nowhere that we must eat these munchables. Students who want to eat it, will eat it. Making them take it will not change that. The rule merely causes more food waste, not healthier individuals.

When I waste food, I feel guilty. When I’m forced to waste food, I feel grief toward the enforcers. This rule has caused me to waste an orange and a half, and give a banana to another student. I have yet to eat a fruit unwelcome to my discerning palette due to this rule, and I’m not the only one. I’ve taken the pears of two other students, as well. As long as we have the privilege to waste, or to trade, we will.

This rule is not just ridiculous, but goes to ridiculous lengths. While converting our pizza line to a sub line, the salad bar, of all things, received cuts. The salad bar is now a sub bar. Fans of salad are heartbroken, as their choices are now limited to lettuce and sub sandwich toppings.

When plans to force students to make healthier choices cause more waste, it’s safe to say you’ve had a backfire. Admitting this would not be a sign of weakness, but a sign of a acceptance. Hopefully, we could add enough choices so that at least the majority would want the options. Realistically, I think this rule should be rewritten. Personally, I think it should be completely repealed, but maybe that’s just me.