While some people prefer to eat the lunch our school provides, others have personal favorites they enjoy bringing from home. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal, takeout, or a dish they experimented with themselves, these school lunches come with a story and can provide insight about each person. What are some foods the students of Arcadia High School (AHS) hold close to their hearts? 

Some students, such as freshman Allison Chen, bring a variety of foods from their leftovers. Chen shared her experience with this lunch, along with some memories she associates with it.

“I bring whatever leftovers we had for dinner last night, which I particularly enjoy because it prevents waste and is easy to store. I’ve had leftovers for school lunch since I was a kid, so it reminds me of when my parents used to pack it for me,” Chen said. “They would ask me if I wanted a specific item or how much of a certain thing I wanted, and those moments with my parents were always meaningful to me, even if they were mundane,” she added. 

Leftovers are always a great option, and for Chen, they come with a dose of childhood memories. Food may also come with a reflection on the past – a person may see a carton of a yogurt drink at the grocery store and recall the day they brought it to school, or bite into banana bread and recall baking it with their parents many years ago. Food can evoke nostalgia and memories one can fondly look back on.

Similarly, junior Ashley Chen loves lunches that “remind [her] of home.” 

“They are special because my parents always spend time the night before preparing them for me,” she added.

Others, such as senior Lola Park, prefer a combination of the comforting embrace of home and important life goals.

“I love bringing my dad’s steak and Korean banchan. It’s so delicious and keeps me energized throughout my day. I’m trying to be in my gym girl arc, so I prioritize eating balanced meals with protein!” Park stated. “Also, steak reminds me of my dad, who is my best friend, so it’s comforting to bring to school.”

Park’s lunch embodies the goal she is working towards while simultaneously reminding her of a family member she takes solace in. What one would view as their peer’s Tuesday lunch means much more to the diner herself. 

Eating delicious food is certainly fun, but making it yourself can be even more rewarding. Sophomore Kyana Enoch is among the many who enjoy cooking.

“I really like bringing spring rolls to school – since I was little, my mom would make spring rolls pretty often, and it was fun for us to assemble them together,” Enoch shared.

Cooking is a great way to spend time with loved ones, and the result comes with both a sense of accomplishment and a (hopefully) delicious item to eat. There are multiple interesting recipes to try, and with a little experimentation, you could find your next go-to lunch item.

So, if you’re struggling to figure out what to bring for lunch, ask around for the stories and experiences of others. Food represents countless stories of nostalgia and joy, and you might end up discovering something unexpected about someone. Students at AHS (and all around) bring delicious lunches that are certainly a topic to chew over.

Photo Courtesy of FREEPIK.COM