The Mycenaean

At School, lunch is part of the daily routine. For some students, it means lining up in the cafeteria for hot food and snacks. For others, it means opening a lunchbox from home.

 While it may seem like a simple decision, there are many different reasons behind why students choose to buy or pack their lunch, from taste and convenience to habits and personal routines.

The Leesville cafeteria offers many daily meal options that many students rely on. Some of the most common choices include pizza, chicken sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, pasta, and chicken. In addition to main meals, students can purchase snacks like chips, ice cream, and bottled drinks. While some items are included as part of the regular lunch, snacks and extras cost additional money. For most students, a basic school lunch is free under the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program, which typically includes a meal,  fruit or vegetable, and milk. However, any additional items—such as extra servings, snacks, or bottled beverages needs to be paid for separately.

“There are a lot of people who don’t pack because they don’t really have the option,” said Megan Le, freshman. “School lunch might not be amazing, but it’s something, and I think it’s important that it’s there for everyone.”

Each lunch includes a side of fruits or vegetables and a drink such as milk or juice. These meals are meant to be balanced and meet Wake County Public School System nutrition guidelines. However, not every student enjoys what’s served.

“I get school lunch every day, but honestly, I don’t like most of it. I’m just too lazy to pack something myself. The food’s okay sometimes, but usually it’s just dry or doesn’t taste great. The pizza’s not bad, though,” said Dare Smith, sophomore.

This opinion is common among students who regularly get lunch from school. Some say the quality of the food depends on the day. Others say it’s the convenience that keeps them coming back.

“I eat in the cafeteria most days because it’s quick, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting my lunch. I’ll get a chicken sandwich or pizza, and if I’m really hungry, I’ll buy chips or a drink. It’s not the best, but it works,” said Justin Rodriguez, sophomore.

The lunch lines can get long, especially during peak periods. With around 2,600 students at Leesville, it’s not unusual to spend five to ten minutes waiting in line, which can take away from the 35 minutes that students have to eat and relax.

This is part of the reason some students prefer to bring their own lunch. Whether it’s a packed sandwich, leftovers from dinner, or a carefully prepared bento box, bringing lunch from home allows students to eat as soon as lunch begins, skip the lines, and choose food they know they’ll enjoy.

“I pack every day, my mom helps me in the morning, and we just throw in whatever I like. I usually bring a sandwich, fruit, and a snack like Goldfish. I just don’t trust the school food. It looks soggy or overcooked most of the time,” said Emily Dombek, sophomore.

Packing lunch also gives students more control over ingredients and portion sizes. For students with food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, or specific preferences, bringing lunch from home can be a safe and easiest option.

“I have certain food preferences, and I don’t always know what’s in the cafeteria food. I’d rather bring something I know I’ll eat. Plus, I can add extra snacks if I need them,” said Caysen Jude, freshman.

Some students also take advantage of the cafeteria’s snack options. Items like chips, cookies, bottled water, Gatorade, and ice cream are available for purchase. While these items aren’t part of the main lunch, students often buy them to add on to their meal or share with friends.

In the end, the choice between packed lunch and school lunch isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about what works for each student. Some value convenience. Others value flavor or variety. Some students pack food every morning, and some just grab whatever’s on the tray. The most important thing is that students have access to food so they can stay focused and energizedd throughout the day.