Like many teenagers, junior Bailey Pratt likes having choices. Last year Pratt bought school lunches due to the variety of options.

“This year, there are not as many choices,” said Pratt. “I would pack a lunch every day if I could.” Although some students have poor opinions on the new lunches, the lack of choices may not be the school officials fault.

“We run out of what we call ‘entitlements’ in spring before school’s over because the money isn’t there” said lead cook, Kim Machette. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, entitlements are programs that help people over a long period of time, such as medicare. About 22 cents is given to schools per meal. According to Machette, this shortfall happens every year.

If this loss happens earlier than usual, the school could be forced to take money out of other programs to help fund the lunches.

However, some students feel the lunches are an upgrade from previous years. One student, eighth grader Devin Whitaker, likes the school lunches compared to the lunches at the middle school.

“When you get lunch here, you get more food on your tray,” said Whitaker. “I’m very comfortable with the amount of choices.”