Of all the places to find students on an ordinary Monday morning at SPA, the dining hall is one that most would least expect. That was not the case on Apr. 29, though, as students headed over at 7:45 a.m. for the school’s new breakfast program: “There are some pretty good breakfast options,” sophomore Phillipe Cristobal said as he ate oatmeal before class, his favorite of the choices offered.

Finding a way to satisfy student’s hunger outside of lunch has long proved to be a challenge for SPA. Throughout this year, each advisory was allotted a yellow bin with a certain amount of snacks to be refilled at the end of each week. However, for the last month of the school year, the school decided to begin providing breakfast instead of snacks. The new breakfast arrangement has a variety of options, including a cereal bar, toast with spreads, and hot drinks such as coffee and tea.

In a student newsletter announcement, the administration stated that the change was made to provide a chance for students to spend time together in the cafeteria while not in class. The move has been controversial, though, with many students frustrated by the removal of snacks.

Previously, the snack was left in an advisor’s office and could be eaten whenever. The lack of freedom with the new system has been frustrating for many students: “I don’t like it [the change] because we can only eat in the cafeteria,” freshman Lila Montgomery said.

Also, breakfast is only offered between 7:45 and 10 a.m., another limiting factor for students: “I usually get hungry in the afternoon, but then there’s nothing to eat,” Montgomery said.
In a poll sent to the student body on May 3, the administration provided an opportunity for student feedback. This week, in response to the feedback received, milk was added to the breakfast assortment, albeit in exchange for not having breakfast on Wednesdays. In addition to breakfast, the administration has stressed that students always have the option to bring nut-free snacks from home.
Despite the mixed feelings from students, breakfast will still be offered in the cafeteria from 7:45 to 10 a.m. until the end of the school year.