Public school lunches in America are not setting students up for success. Research has found that multiple schools across the country are serving food that may contain a toxic chemical called bisphenol A, also known as BPA.

  Bisphenol A is a chemical found in plastic packaging and in the lining of canned food containers. This chemical can also be found in a wide variety of products such as toiletries, sports equipment, and electronics. When BPA is consumed, it agitates human hormone activity and can lead to serious health problems, such as cancer and reproductive issues.

  Students already pay for high-priced meals in their schools. They shouldn’t have to be innocent victims of school lunches too.

   Only a few food items that are fresh like apples, bananas, and strawberries are served in cafeterias. Other than that, the meat is prepackaged and kept frozen until the next day, and the salads are pre-cut and bagged.

  The meat that is served in cafeterias is typically what makes up the main course. Countless students rely on school lunches, but sadly many do not know the harmful effects they could potentially have on their bodies.

   Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have collected information from school cafeterias in the San Francisco Bay area to study the BPA concentration in their foods. They concluded that 1.19 micrograms of bisphenol A per kilogram of body weight is the minimum level of bisphenol A that students take in. However, even the smallest amounts can still be harmful, especially in children who are still developing.

  The initial goal for public schools is to meet federal nutrition standards, while also keeping costs low. The question being asked here is, why should students have to put up with unhealthy breakfasts and lunches that do not benefit them? Schools have the option of serving healthier, non-toxic lunches in cafeterias, yet they are doing nothing to fix the problem.

  It’s necessary for students to have fresher and healthier food in their school cafeterias. A healthy, balanced meal can help students be alert, improve their memory, and give them the ability to process information faster. 

  The cafeteria food in public schools is not helping students do that. It is setting students back instead of supporting their academic endeavors.