School lunches are often criticized, from the “cardboard pizza” to the “mystery meat”. But at McPherson High School, the meals are surprisingly good.

Before high school, I notoriously hated school food. I would not eat it because I thought it was disgusting. The only school food I would eat at McPherson Middle School was the Pizza Hut pizza and fries they served. But as soon as I graduated from middle school and started my career at the high school, my perspective on school lunches did a 180.

One reason for this shift is the incredible lunch ladies, they are extremely kind and caring and are very attentive to your needs. They are always sure to have a bright smile and a positive attitude. They are the best lunch ladies I have ever had and completely dismantle the evil “lunch lady” stereotype.

Of course, even the friendliest staff wouldn’t matter if the food wasn’t up to par. Now, let’s get into the food. These all come down to preferences, but there is an overall consensus among students.

Take the Asian Bowl, for example. If you have ever attended McPherson High School, you have heard about the Asian Bowl. The bowl includes chicken, rice, lo mein, egg roll, broccoli, and sides. This is one of the best, if not the best meals they serve here. Whenever it is Asian Bowl day, you can expect long lunch lines.

To get another perspective, I interviewed an avid school lunch eater, Jandie Busch-Clark, who has a positive opinion on school lunch. ”I believe a lot of food they serve here is good, you just need to have an open mind to the idea of school food.”

When asked what her favorite menu item was, she said potato bar. “Potato bar is the best. I love the cheesy broccoli and the potato.”

Busch-Clark is not alone in her praise, the potato bar is a good menu item. It includes cheesy hamburger dip, broccoli and cheese, and a full potato. You can get a lot of food for only the price of a regular school meal.

Another standout, and the second best in my opinion, is the crispito. You get the choice of either a chicken crispito or a chili crispito. People are divided on whether chicken or chili is better, but in my opinion, chicken is the best flavor.

Of course, if there are positives there are negatives, the hamburger bar is pretty boring, as well as the Pizza Hut meal on both sides.

At the end of the day, I think people should give school lunches a try at McPherson High School, and get rid of the school lunch equals disgusting food mindset. Food gives you fuel to take on the rest of the day, so always try to fuel yourself up with the cafeteria food.