From elementary to junior and then high school, it’s the time when you begin to feel like you’re all grown up. With that, you also feel the excitement of having the freedom to buy something from the school canteen.

You pull out your money and buy something that excites you more than the typical food items in your lunchbox — perhaps a homemade paratha roll or a sandwich. But you’ve been eyeing that slice of pizza from the canteen and, of course, that scrumptious doughnut and brownie as well. And those artificially flavoured juices — wow! This is when you realise just how delicious your snack time could be if only you had bought those items from the canteen.

No wonder, school canteens are considered social hubs where you grab a bite with friends, enjoy a break from studies and refuel your energy. Buying food from canteens is a convenient option when you have no other choice, as they offer quick and accessible meals during recess. While canteens serve an essential role in providing you with snacks of various types, an important question arises: are they providing nutritious food, or are they promoting unhealthy eating habits?

Many school and college canteens prioritise taste and affordability over nutrition, leading to a menu filled with fried snacks like French fries, samosas, patties, or sugary treats like brownies, doughnuts and artificially sweetened beverages — along with many other high-calorie fast foods. Of course, when faced with a tempting menu like this, would you prefer a boiled egg, a clean homemade sandwich or a homemade roll paratha? Perhaps only a few would say, yes, they would opt for home-cooked meals. After all, deep-fried foods and fizzy drinks are what everyone loves the most — let alone you, the kids.

But know that all this food comes under the category of junk food, which lacks the basic and essential nutrients needed for your growth and overall well-being, especially at your age. On the other hand, some educational institutions are taking steps to promote healthier choices by offering fresh fruits, fruit smoothies, fruit cocktails, whole grains sandwiches, dairy products and more balanced meal options during recess. Those do not fall under the junk food category.........

© Dawn Young Magazine