School lunches have become an increasingly hot topic in recent years. Everyone, from students to educators, to parents, and even public health officials, have all weighed in on how bad school lunches are. Many assert that the food served at schools is unhealthy, unappetizing and even harmful. For starters, school lunches are not cooked properly. Many school cafeteria workers are not adequately trained to handle the demands of the job. For example, they don't often know the proper temperatures needed to cook certain foods, leading to meals that are either under-cooked or over-cooked. Additionally, school lunches are often loaded with preservatives and additives that can be harmful for your health. Moreover, school lunches are also prepared in large batches and served to students who all have different dietary needs. This often leads to a lack of variety and a lack of nutrition. The lunches that are served are usually high in sodium, fat and sugar and lack important vitamins and minerals. Many schools do offer healthier alternatives, but they are often costly and out of reach for most students. Students also don't have a whole lot of choice when selecting their school lunches. Often, the most unhealthy and unappetizing options are the ones that are offered first. This lack of choice can lead to unhealthy eating habits, as students are more likely to opt for the unhealthiest options just because they have no other options. The quantity of food served in school lunches is also a source of concern. In many cases, students are left feeling hungry after their lunch, which can lead to poor eating habits and even weight gain. Furthermore, since the meals are already prepared, it is difficult for students to get more food if they are still feeling hungry. Finally, school lunches often exclude important food groups, often to the detriment of the students. For example, many schools have opted to serve meals with little or no dairy products or fruits and vegetables. This lack of variety can lead to students not getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. All in all, school lunches are a major area of concern and a source of worry for parents, students, teachers and public health officials alike. From unhealthy ingredients and improper cooking techniques, to lack of variety and portions, it's clear that school lunches are in dire need of improvement. Schools need to invest in better ingredients and training, and offer students more variety in