By: Jordan Hansen [Opinion Editor]

New year. New teachers. New…food? This year there has been definite change in the food at Marion. So far this year there have been several noticeable changes in the menu. Gardetto’s are no longer present to buy as an extra, as they have been cited as unhealthy. Also, there are now many types of Chex mix and no Pop-tarts. Another major change that has many students shaking their heads is the fact that donut’s are no longer served on Fridays. Last, but certainly not least is the fact that they took out the pop and snack machines over the summer.

It is absolutely ridiculous that these food options have been taken out. True, there are many obese youth in the United States, but is getting rid of certain foods in schools really going change that? The answer is most likely no. People at school could simply buy the foods at home, or buy some of the other snacks available through the school store or otherwise.

Even though they took many of the most popular snacks and food out of the school, it was hopefully made for a good reason. The most obvious is that the school is trying to make the students healthier. This would make sense, as recently there is a nationwide push for students to get healthier. Even though making students healthier is a good goal, making better exercise programs would make much more sense.

Overall the choice to get rid of the food is unpopular with many people. It will probably not help students lose weight and will just make criticism of the schools food more intense. It may be a good idea, but without any other programs also trying to improve student health, it won’t be effective enough to make a difference.