Lunch Strike Hits Day 3 at Parsippany Hills High

The cafeteria boycott continues at Parsippany Hills High School.

The student-organized move to deny business to the cafeteria in protest of the new government-mandated school lunch program began Friday and entered its third day Tuesday.

Students at schools throughout the nation have said the program instituted through the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act is having the opposite of its intended effect. Under the plan, protein and bread portions are reduced by a third and fruit and vegetable portions are given greater emphasis. But because fruits and vegetables are more expensive, lunch prices have risen. And many teens say they are left feeling hungry.

Organizer Brandon Faris, a senior, told the Daily Record that the strike will go on through at least Wednesday, but there is no word on what will happen beyond that point.

Superintendent of Schools LeRoy , confirmed that the strike is ongoing, adding that the district's other 13 schools have not joined the boycott. 

According to Seitz, the impact has been "minimal" on PHHS cafeteria operations

"I have arranged for representatives from the state and federal school lunch programs along with [Donna Devany of Pomptonian Food Service], our food service manager to meet with my student advisory council later this month in an effort to expand the dialogue on the new regulations," Seitz told Patch.

So far, the school district, including PHHS interim Principal Lewis Ludwig have supported the students in their action.