Items like black bean cookies and yogurt parfaits will be added to the lunch menus at Princeton Public schools this fall.

By Eric Macias
Chicago, Ill.

This year, Princeton Public Schools will implement a new, upgraded lunch program due to low participation in the current school lunch program.

Rather than eat the food offered by the Princeton Public School system, students from all grade levels opt out. Due to short lunch periods, limited and often unhealthy food options and a lack of education on the importance of eating well, students have been avoiding the cafeteria lunches, leaving some faculty members worried about student health.

“Only nine percent of all students at Princeton High School participate in the lunch program, and most of those students receive free lunch,” said Stephen Cochrane, 53, during an interview in the recently renovated library of Princeton Middle School. Cochrane is the superintendent of Princeton Public Schools and plans to improve the lunch system this year by making lunch more interesting for students. Currently, only between nine and 45 percent of students at Princeton Public schools participates. Continue reading →