PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council is planning to hold hearings to investigate how school meals are prepared following testimony this week from students who said the quality was poor.
Students from Olney High School testified at City Council’s meeting on Thursday, and said just because lunch and breakfast are free does not mean they want to eat what’s being served.
Senior Kayla Montgomery said she often doesn't eat lunch at all.
"Usually, the school milk is expired or spoiled,” said Montgomery. “And it even says it on the expiration date."
She also recounted another instance when a friend got sick after they found mold in their sandwich.
Dejay Graham said students had previously invited Councilmember Anthony Phillips to the school to survey what they were being served.
"We wanted them to try what we are forced to eat each day and see why many of us, sadly, choose to go hungry instead," he said.
Phillips introduced the resolution Thursday that calls for the hearings into meal preparation.
Senior Jose Moses said when the food quality is poor, schoolwork also suffers.
"When we don't get enough to eat, it's hard to concentrate and stay awake because we're hungry," he said.
The school district website says its pizza, chicken nuggets, and other offerings are formulated to be lower in fat, sodium, and sugar to meet federal regulations.
Students from Olney High School testified Thursday in City Council about the poor quality.
Students from Olney High School testified Thursday in City Council about the poor quality.
