Benefits to be had from FMS snack

To the editor:

I would like to write concerning the milkshakes that used to be sold during lunch at Fairfield Middle School. As many Ledger readers may know, the school was required to stop selling milkshakes due to new health codes, which also prohibited some drink and snack machines; half have been eliminated. However, I would like to propose that they be reinstated.

One reason that milkshakes should still be served is that they were a good source of income for the school?s activity fund. The line for milkshakes was always a mile long. Everybody wanted to buy a milkshake if they were only 50 cents. The subject of cash also brings the vending machines into the spotlight. These, too, brought in money, which went to the school, especially during sporting events. If these were restored, it would be good for the school?s funds, especially at a time when so many budget cuts are necessary.

In addition, kids love snacks. Ice cream is a sweet, delicious treat, and it?s fun to have at lunchtime. I?m sure that ice cream would sell well during lunch, because it did before. Kids had to wait in line for five minutes to get a milkshake, but people did it because they were tasty. I do understand that due to health codes, bringing back the milkshake may be impossible. On the other hand, perhaps the school could use this as an opportunity. Rather than selling milkshakes, a healthy alternative could be offered, such as a fruit smoothie, frozen yogurt, granola bars, cereal, trail mix, nuts, crackers and cheese, fresh fruit, or veggies and dip. The list goes on. In the future, students could even start a garden and sell food they grew to their classmates. On top of that, if we wish to look into the long run, kids could plant fruit-bearing trees, such as apple or pear, for future students to enjoy.

Some people would argue that since the middle school already offers a school lunch and a salad, and kids are able to bring their own food from home, that another food option would not be necessary. While this may be true, I still believe that introducing a healthy snack during lunch would be a good idea. As I?m sure you are well aware, kids can be picky. Many kids won?t eat cafeteria food or can?t afford to, or won?t bring their own lunch. It would be favorable for students to have more options.

In summary, I hope that sometime soon, snacks will be sold in the lunchroom again. I think it?s a great way to make some money for the school as well as to encourage kids to eat healthy foods. I don?t by any means want something drastic to be done right away, but eating a little better is a good place to start.

? Loreena Hucke, Fairfield Middle School student