“High Cost of the School Canteen’s food product: A Call for Improving Quality and

Accessibility of Food for Students”

Cervantes, Viench Joshua E.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 11

St. Augustine

Ryan James L. Navarro

December 12, 2023

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 Outline

Introduction

background information about the issue of high prices in school canteen

importance of addressing this issue

Body

Arguments

A. Argument 1: High cost of canteen leads to a financial burden among families

B. Argument 2: Limited acess to nutritious food and health to students

C. Counterargument

Promoting better quality of food

Homemade nutritious food

Conclusion

A. Review all points on the paper

B. Emphasize the importance of lowering the prices of school canteen

C. Call to action for stakeholder

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 The school canteen is a place to promote healthy eating habits. Therefore, it makes

sense to ensure the best food quality possible for students who uses the canteen regularly.

However, the prices are not favorable to those students and families who have limited

resources creating a major impact on our school. One of the effects that this issue cause is

financial burden on families, especially those family with multiple children that studies at our

school. This burden then forces families to make tough choices, such as limiting the number

of meals their children eat at school and cutting back on other essential expenses; which leads

to a another problem which is the student’s nutrition. Prices for healthy food is often higher

than less healthy food. This means that students may be more likely to choose cheaper but

less healthy food which impacts their nutrition and health. So It is important to address this

issue because it can affect students' ability to afford meals and continue their studies,

addressing this issue leads to the development of product in the canteen. With this I decide to

make a position paper addressing the issue about high prices in school canteen’s food

products.

The high cost of canteen products has become a significant issue for students and

families. One of the main reasons why canteen products are so expensive is the high cost of

raw materials and labor. Canteen operators often face challenges in sourcing ingredients and

maintaining profitability, which can lead to expensive meal options for students. This can put

a strain on family budgets and lead to unhealthy eating habits due to the lack of affordable

and nutritious options. To address these issues, schools, canteen operators, governments, and

local communities need to work together to promote healthy eating habits, encourage

transparency, reduce waste, and explore affordable options for students.

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 Looking at the situation over the school’s canteen right now, the prices of these

products have been steadily increasing, making it difficult for parents to afford them for their

children and making it as a financial burden for them. If the prices of products in the school

canteen are not managed properly, parents may feel that they are not able to provide their

children with nutritious food. Parents are already struggling to make ends meet, and the

additional cost of canteen meals can be overwhelming for them. This financial burden can

lead to parents having to choose between paying for canteen meals or other essential

expenses such as rent, utilities, and healthcare.

Now let’s proceed into the second point on issues about high prices in school’s

canteen products. Schools often operate on tight budgets, which can make it challenging to

provide affordable meals in the cafeteria. Many students are complaining about the high

prices in canteen, the high prices of canteen food products limit the accessibility of nutritious

food for students. High prices of school cafeteria meals can make them less appealing to

students, who may opt for cheaper, unhealthy options like fast food instead. This can lead to

poor nutrition and health issues among students. Having access to nutritious and affordable

food is essential for the growth and development of children, but the current state of canteen

operations often makes it difficult for families to provide their children with healthy meal

options.

Let’s dive into the counterargument, it is important to remember that the quality of

food served in canteens is just as important as its affordability. While it is true that some

students may not be able to afford expensive meals, providing them with nutritious and

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wholesome food options can have long-term benefits for their health and academic

performance. Eating healthier can lead to reduced healthcare costs in the long run. A well-

balanced diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,

resulting from unhealthy diet which can be costly to manage. To address these challenges in

my learning journey, I propose several solutions. Firstly, there is a crucial need to increase

support for students' emotional well-being. Having more resources, such as counseling

services and programs that promote mental health awareness, can play a vital role in helping

me and my fellow students navigate our emotions effectively. Secondly, creating better

awareness about available support is essential. Implementing initiatives that clearly

communicate where students can seek help will empower me to overcome challenges with

confidence. Lastly, it's important to establish a more supportive and adaptable learning

environment. This involves implementing strategies to ease the transition to new learning

methods, providing additional resources, and encouraging open discussions about the

challenges we face. By focusing on these proposed solutions, we can work towards creating a

more conducive and supportive atmosphere for learning.

Applying my knowledge and experience in the situation, I propose several solutions.

First, we can promote better quality of food in the canteen. This can be achieved by offering a

variety of healthy and tasty food options at affordable prices. Additionally, we can work with

local farmers and suppliers to provide fresh and nutritious ingredients. By doing so, families

can save money on groceries and have access to healthier meal options. Furthermore,

promoting better quality of food in the canteen can help ensure that students have access to

nutritious food options, which can improve their overall health and well-being, leading to

increased productivity and better academic performance.

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 In conclusion, the high prices in school canteen's food products have a significant

impact on students' well-being and academic performance. It is crucial to address this issue

by lowering the prices and improving the quality of food for students. This can be achieved

by implementing healthier food options, increasing the variety of meals, and reducing the

overall cost of the canteen's offerings. Moreover, schools should consider involving students

in the decision-making process to ensure that the food choices cater to their needs and

preferences. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system in

schools, which ultimately benefits the students' health, happiness, and academic success.

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