By Thu Nguyen

April 4, 2023

SAN JOSE, CALIF. –Silver Creek High School offers its students free and nutritious lunches throughout the year, although the taste of the food is not always consistent.

The school’s menu changes daily, but the sides that come with each meal remain the same. Students are given a choice of beverages, including chocolate milk, regular milk, orange juice, and apple juice. The lunch also includes fruits and vegetables, but the options are limited, with only apples or oranges and a bag of carrots or celery that are often stale and unappetizing.

While the fruits and vegetables are intended to provide students with a healthy component to their meals, they are frequently discarded in the trash. But, some students find creative ways to repurpose them, such as feeding their pets. For example, a friend of mine brings the carrot bags home for her pet bunny to enjoy as a treat.

Despite the lackluster side options, the main courses can sometimes be a hit among students. The Sweet Chili Chicken with Rice, served in a Chinese takeout box, is a popular dish that many students rush to get. I can attest to its delicious taste, having tried it a few times myself.

Another fan favorite among students is the Honey BBQ Pork Sandwich, made with a sweet and tangy sauce that gives the pork a flavorful punch. Served between burger buns, it is one of the most satisfying dishes that the school offers and a personal favorite among my friend group.

However, some lunch options are not well-liked, such as the hotdog and PB & J Sandwich. The hotdog is halfway cooked and tastes bland without any condiments like ketchup, mustard, or relish. The PB & J Sandwich is made with stale bread and sticky peanut butter and jelly, making it an unappetizing option.

While Silver Creek High School provides its students with free and nutritious lunches, there is still room for improvement when it comes to the taste and variety of the food. The sides are often unappetizing and go uneaten, while the main courses can be hit or miss. However, the school’s efforts to provide healthy options are commendable, and there are a few dishes that students genuinely enjoy. Perhaps with more student feedback and input, the school can continue to refine its lunch program and make it an even more satisfying experience for all.