With varying table heights and lengths and barstools and attached seats, the new Parkdale cafeteria setup is bringing some modernization to the otherwise “older” school aesthetic. (photo by Genesis Salvador Flores)

Around the start of February, Parkdale presented its students and staff members with a refreshing new appearance to what the cafeteria looked like before. Students quickly filled out the new tables and chairs just as promptly as new chairs and tables were installed. 

Some students are on board with the latest changes brought forth by the new school while others aren’t so happy about the changes.

“The new cafeteria looks great but crowded,” said senior Kayla Vallechacon. “In my opinion, they chose too many different tables and short ones.”

Parkdale has adopted a “college-styled” cafeteria where the room holds different sizes of tables and chairs.  Some chairs and tables are as high as the trash bins while some remain the same level as the tables before. The tables are also plastered with prints that demonstrate the school’s pride. 

The revamp of the school cafeteria equipment doesn’t just look new and updated, but it has been proven that the environment surrounding students has a direct correlation to how a student feels, thinks, and behaves. 

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), “the cafeteria is also an important context for promoting students’ physical health and social interaction,” which “teach[es] mealtime skills, preventing behavioral challenges, and fostering positive values.”

Meals enjoyed by students are also tied to the environment surrounding them. More students will enjoy plates served to them when they are in a comfortable atmosphere compared to an atmosphere where they can’t stand being there. 

NLM claims, “It has also been found that when the cafeteria environment is pleasant, students eat more of their lunch and have fewer behavior problems.” 

However, some have expressed that there are more pressing matters, such as the meals being served rather than how a room looks.

“I really would have preferred if the meals were prepared the day of,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous.“The room is nice and all but [I] would have preferred if the meals were improved too.”

In the United States in particular, obesity runs rampant, even beginning in childhood. 

As stated by NLM, “roughly one in three people nationally in the United States are currently obese, and the body weight of an average American adult is increasing at a rate of 0.9 kg (1.98 lbs.) per year.” Another pressing matter that some people face on a daily basis.

One solution is to change the meal plan to combat the critical issue of obesity by providing alternatives to meals that are served in schools, and/or replace some plates that are deemed unhealthy. A second solution would be to introduce more activities that keep students engaged and moving. A third solution would be to allow students to take educational classes to motivate students to take action.

People and places change alike, nothing stays the same forever. Although there is room for improvement, the changes that the school brings show promise for a brighter future for students of Parkdale– or at least a brighter place to take a break from class for 30 minutes.