Goodbye One Lunch

Student thoughts on the new lunch schedule

Benjamin Cruz, Section Editor
October 8, 2021

COVID-19 restrictions led to a decision to ditch one lunch for the time being. Four lunches allows for more social distancing as well as gives the custodial staff the opportunity to clean. In addition to multiple lunches, freshmen and sophomores must eat in the cafeteria while seniors and juniors eat in the commons. This is a very large contrast from the immense options students had during one lunch in previous years.

Lunch looks different this year. Students sit at red dots and check in using a QR code so their location can be known in case there is a need for contact tracing. (Benjamin Cruz)

For some the break during third block is a nice addition.

“I actually like this schedule,” said sophomore Fox Nuncy.

Seniors and juniors have lunch in the commons. Freshmen and sophomores eat in the cafeteria. The separation makes it easier to maintain better social distancing. (Benjamin Cruz)

While most students understand why the changes were made, they are still struggling with them for various reasons.

“It is a difficult schedule to follow,”  said senior Gavin Harlan. “We have no time to eat and eating at different times for A day and B day can be confusing.”

Based on a SunDevil Times survey of 121 students, 97.5% of students preferred the one lunch schedule. 

“It’s (lunch) difficult this year because it feels like I’m stepping back from growing up,” said  junior Ahmarri Williams.

Whether or not one lunch returns in the future depends very much of COVID-19 and the required restrictions moving forward.