latimes:

L.A. schools’ healthful lunch menu panned by students: For many students, Los Angeles Unified’s introduction of healthful lunches — part of a campaign against obesity, diabetes and other problems — has been a flop. The district says the menu will be revised.

Participation in the school lunch program has dropped by thousands of students. Principals report massive waste, with unopened milk cartons and uneaten entrees being thrown away. Students are ditching lunch, and some say they’re suffering from headaches, stomach pains and even anemia. At many campuses, an underground market for chips, candy, fast-food burgers and other taboo fare is thriving.

… Andre Jahchan, a 16-year-old sophomore at Esteban Torres High School, said the food was “super good” at the summer tasting at L.A. Unified’s central kitchen. But on campus, he said, the chicken pozole was watery, the vegetable tamale was burned and hard, and noodles were soggy.

Eek. To our LAUSD student followers, what’s it been like? Does your school have a black market for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? (And keep the language appropriate!)

Photo: Students line up for lunch in the cafeteria at Van Nuys High School (your Tumblr host is an alum!). Credit: Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times

Haha “black market” but foreals though lunch used to be dope