Are food sellers unconsciously encouraging unhealthy eating habits among students? As students go out to window and lunch, they are exposed to delicious treats like brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more. Within minutes, many sellers get all of their stock sold. These snacks are an easy grab, but their constant availability could worry the school.
Across schools in Medellín and around the world, selling junk food is a debated issue. Studies indicate that school food environments significantly influence students’ eating patterns, often leading them toward unhealthy choices. At The Columbus School, student sellers provide popular items like brownies, cookies, and chips due to the fact that they’re highly demanded. While some students see this as an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills, others worry about the impact eating these types of foods has on their health.
Some students believe that regulating food sales would be a restriction on their ability to develop business skills. Entrepreneurship is a valuable skill learned through selling, but placing restrictions on what students can offer could prevent them from obtaining real life experience.
“I don’t think the school should have rules or restrictions regarding selling because it really limits the capability to be an entrepreneur. If you can’t sell whatever you want, then you will have boundaries in your business.” Pedro Florez, senior and seller, said.
In recent years, student food sales have evolved, becoming more structured and professional. What started as simple homemade treats has now turned into an actual small business for many students.
“There has been a change from homemade brownies to something that is looking more like a business. People are starting to add packaging, and making it more official and professional.” Florez said.
However, the question remains whether healthier options for school sellers would be a viable and sustainable alternative. Many students refuse to switch to healthy snacks because of taste and cost.
“I don’t think I would buy healthy snacks in school because normally the term ‘healthy’ when people sell it is not really tasty. This is because normally healthy food is more expensive, so I wouldn’t splurge.” Florez added.
Access to unhealthy snacks at school can lead to patterns in the way people eat inside and outside of school. Students can develop routines based on their favorite snacks in school, making them a part of their daily routine rather than a treat for once in a while.
“I see people telling sellers to reserve their food from the day before. For example, asking sellers to save a brownie for the next day. This does influence eating patterns.” Santiago Gamez, senior, said.
While some believe students are responsible for their own choices, the availability of unhealthy food still plays a role on what is being eaten and how. The temptation to consume sugary and processed foods is stronger when they are available constantly.
“It’s on you if you decide to eat 10 brownies every day, but of course, having them available all the time can impact whether you buy them or not.” Gamez said.
Limiting junk food sales may not be the best solution, as accessibility is what most of the time drives students to eat this. Even if unhealthy snacks were banned at school, many students would find ways to bring them from home. Encouraging students to sell healthy snacks as well could positively influence the situation.
“I think accessibility plays a big role in eating habits, because if junk food is right there and easy to get, students are more likely to buy it out of convenience rather than craving. If healthier options were just as accessible, students might naturally start choosing them more often.” Gamez said.
The types of snacks and drinks available at school can influence student habits both inside and outside of school. If students get accustomed to eating certain foods daily, they are more likely to continue these habits after school hours.
“If students get used to eating sugary or processed foods at school, they are more likely to continue those habits outside of school. If healthier options were the norm, students might be more inclined to make better food choices in general.” Valeria Arbelaez, senior and buyer, said.
The lack of appealing healthy options leads students to make choices based on availability rather than preference. Without proper alternatives, students choose the most tempting or familiar options, even if they are unhealthy.
“The food in school being sold directly affects what students consume because they rely on the cafeteria and vending machines for snacks and meals. If unhealthy food is the main option, students will eat it, often leading to excessive consumption of junk food and sugary drinks.” Arbelaez said.
Schools have an opportunity to influence long-term eating habits by introducing better alternatives. By offering healthier choices that are both tasty and affordable, schools could help shift student eating habits in a positive way.
“Students spend a lot of time at school, and their eating habits are shaped by what’s available. If schools promote healthier options, it can encourage better eating habits and improve students’ overall well-being.” Arbelaez added.