Locked In, Left Out

Tupi National High School is closing its gates for safety, but locking students inside leaves local food vendors without a way to earn.

Lunch break used to mean more than just finding something to eat. For some students, it was also a quick chance to buy a proper meal from nearby vendors. Now that Tupi National High School will soon implement a no-lunch-out policy for safety, students will stay inside the campus during lunch break. The policy protects students, but it also affects vendors who depend on students for income.

“I am also a student at Tupi National High School School year 2007-2011. No lunch out is already up before, for me no lunch out means the students are safer”, according to Sir John Rey Mendoza. He is in favor of the no lunch out policy, for him students can maximize the food resources here in Tupi National High School that could push the canteen sellers to serve more and better foods.

Keeping students on campus can make it easier for teachers and school staff to monitor them and prevent accidents or other problems outside. However, most food sold inside the school is made up of snacks, and not every student can have a proper lunch from those choices.

The school should give a chance to trusted food vendors a proper space inside the campus. Instead of students going outside, vendors can bring affordable meals inside while following school rules. This way, students can eat, vendors can still earn, and the school can keep better control of the campus.

Safety should remain the main reason behind the policy. But keeping students safe does not mean that everyone affected by the change should be left behind. With clear rules, proper spaces, and cooperation between the school and vendors, the policy can protect students while still giving vendors a fair chance to earn.

The no-lunch-out policy can protect students, but it should also consider the people who depend on the school community for their livelihood. We do not have to choose between student safety and helping canteen sellers because there can be a way to support both. Keep students inside, but make room for those who help keep the school community fed.