Over the course of the school year so far, Padua’s cafetorium has always been flooded with hungry students in the morning for breakfast, both first and second lunches in the afternoon, and even at the end of the day. However, when it comes to purchasing a meal, the prices of foods can greatly affect whether a student with a budget eats healthy or goes for an unhealthy choice.
Padua’s “Wakin’ Up With Culinart” breakfast is a great way for a student to start off their day before classes begin or after first period during flex time. Some of the options on the menu include a breakfast wrap or omelet for $3.25, an egg and cheese sandwich for $2.75, two eggs any style for $2.25, a plate of pancakes or french toast for $2.00, and bagels ranging from $.55 to $.95. “I usually get a breakfast sandwich during flex a few days a week because I don’t have time in the morning to eat at home or before first period,” sophomore Kara Zagorskie said.
Moving into the late morning and early afternoon, Padua brings out a wide range of tasty options for lunch including pizza for $2.00 or $2.50 with toppings, hot dogs for $1.50, cheese burgers or veggie burgers for $3.50, and calzones, stromboli, chicken tenders and tater tots, or boxed salads all priced at $4.25.  “When I spend almost $3.00 on a breakfast sandwich in the morning and I only have $5 for the day,” says Kara Zagorskie, “then I’m left with getting something cheap and unhealthy like pizza and tater tots instead of a salad or fruit. I don’t get how people buy breakfast and lunch every day and manage to stay healthy and have enough money!” It seems as if healthy choices being priced a bit higher than unhealthy choices may be affecting the diet of students.
“Since Christmas, I think that students have been eating healthier and the busiest areas of the cafeteria have been the sandwich and salad bars, the grill area, and the yogurt parfaits and fruit cups,” says Vicki, the Chef Manager at Padua. “The prices of the food do affect what people purchase though. Students check the menu and one day get a higher priced food such as the $4.25 special then have to get a lower priced food such as a $2.00 piece of pizza the next day. It all balances itself out though!”
Whether a hungry Padua student has little money for a slightly unhealthy snack or a lot to spend on whatever they wish, there is always something in the cafeteria for them to purchase.