New Food Policy Quakes Student Body

New policies are introduced every school year, but has this one gone too far?

The school year has started with a great many surprises, but one of them has shaken the student body as a whole. A new food safety article in place now prevents many things that were once norms of SMIC-I culture. Ordering food from outside vendors was how many of our students got lunch, but with this new policy, it has become strictly prohibited that a student order any off-campus meals (with class parties as an exception). Homemade food is now also forbidden, whether it be for sharing, selling, (only packaged food may be shared and sold) or even eating in the cafeteria. In fact, home-made lunches are now only allowed to be eaten in designated areas of campus, and only if the student fills out an application permitting them to bring lunch from home.

9th Grade students enjoy the company of their friends while eating lunch Courtesy of Samuela Ma’u (9B)

When students heard of this policy at the assembly on September 2nd, many were dissatisfied. It was clear that students didn’t feel as if the policy was necessary. Yeseo Jeon (10A) said that “It brings a lot of inconveniences during school events,” which it does. Clubs such as Cookies for Kids and Animal Welfare Club obtained funding solely from bake sales. Policies like this create major obstacles in how they raise money for the non-profits they contribute to. Another thing that upsets the students are the annual holiday grams. Chester Poon (11C) expressed his deepest sorrows when holiday grams couldn’t be issued because of the rule, and said, “Who doesn’t like CFK goodies and all those grams?” It will be a challenge for events such as Shark Fiesta and FinFest to raise money without homemade goods. Mrs. Joile Lim said, “I used to make homemade snacks to share with my students…Sharing your food is a way to show that we care for our students…[though it does help to] keep track of the food source just in case students do get sick.”

Students finish up lunch and prepare for sixth period Courtsey of Samuela Ma’u (9B)

Students and teachers do have some similiar thoughts when it comes to the policy, but these policies are not without reason. Mrs. Danielle Ma’u, who is the Senior Director of Elementary, mentioned that “It was put in place to…help with student safety [and] to make sure that any food served on campus is of highest quality and has passed some sort of inspection.” Mrs. Ma’u later mentioned that it was to help increase the level of safety for both students and staff in our school. She said the policy was so that “…we have the best things available for our students…[and] have [policies] that help increase student safety.” Though this policy will be a huge obstacle for everyone to adjust to, it is safe to say that this was done in the intention to keep everyone safe and happy.

Featured Image — Students eat their homemade lunches in the library lounge Courtesy of Samuela Ma’u (9B)

By Samuela Ma’u