According to an online poll of CHS students, 33% admitted to having dietary restrictions including one or more of the following: gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, and a vegan/vegetarian regimen. This means that more than one third of students who currently attend Carlisle High School must be cautious of what they consume for their dietary needs.

This wouldn’t be such a difficult task if alternative options were available, and they are, but with a discretion. The school’s menu is available online and displays what is being served for lunch throughout the week. It offers the viewer the ability to remove certain allergens; however, before being allowed access, you must agree to the terms that, “neither Nutrislice, Inc., Compass Group USA, Inc., Chartwells, nor the school district whose menu information is displayed can guarantee that the information here is 100% accurate.” The website is also only available in English unless you use a third-party device.

In an interview with Claire Neiberg, a current senior at CHS, she stated that alternatives are not kindly offered to students. She had discussed a confrontation she had with a cafeteria worker who denied her a bottle of water as an alternative for milk. Because of her dairy intolerance, she was unable to drink the milk and continued the lunch period without consuming anything to drink.

It is unfortunate, and quite disappointing, that many of these students who are faced with these food allergens are not provided safe and healthy alternatives by the school. It should be seen to, and expected, that gluten free items be provided during lunch as well as a program that allows students with lactose intolerance to switch out milk for bottled water with no additional cost. The expectations for providing a safe atmosphere to all students shouldn’t stop at the cafeteria doors.

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2017-2018 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.

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