Chicago School Bans Lunches From Home

Students attending  Little Village Academy public school in Chicago have been given a very strange ultimatum. The students can either eat the cafeteria food--or go hungry. Only students with allergies are allowed to bring a homemade lunch to school.

The Chicago Tribune is reporting on this story, saying that many students and parents find this policy to be unfair. The school claims to be encouraging healthy eating habits amongst their students, but is it really encouraging when they have no other option?

"Nutrition wise, it is better for the children to eat at the school," Principal Elsa Carmona told the Tribune. "It's about the nutrition and the excellent quality food that they are able to serve (in the lunchroom). It's milk versus a Coke. But with allergies and any medical issue, of course, we would make an exception."

At $2.25 per meal, that adds up to quite a hefty profit for the school's food provider. Many parents contend that they can pack a healthy, sensible lunch for their children for a fraction of that price. Many of the students claim that they do not like the food offered to them, and it was unclear from the Tribune's report if they offer a vegetarian option.