The Greenhill ‘s Sage cafeteria food has always been well enjoyed by students. Although, for a growing number of students, the school lunch isn’t everyone’s first choice for lunch.
This choice isn’t just about food preference. Several students said that they leave the cafeteria for more freedom and independence, faster service, and an escape from the cafeteria environment.
The freshmen class is now experiencing newfound privileges, as they weren’t allowed to go to The Buzz or Catalyst Coffee during school hours in middle school.
“Last year I always had no option but to eat in the cafeteria but this year now that we actually have the privilege I tend to go to the Buzz instead,” freshman Sana Oblumpally said.
Typically, students avoid the cafeteria for the same reason: the lines are long.
“I wait so long in the line sometimes just to get food that I don’t particularly love,” freshman Amrita Madhavenaur said. “That’s why I prefer to go and get my usual from Catalyst.”
To avoid the long lines, The Buzz, Greenhill’s campus store, has become a popular destination for lunch. Typically, students find quick options such as chips, instant noodles, microwaved mac and cheese, and much more.
“If I don’t want a whole meal, I can quickly go and grab a snack from the buzz and I’m happy for the rest of the day,” said Oblumpally.
Students are able to pay and leave The Buzz in minutes, leaving time for other commitments.
“I think it will take me maximum 5 minutes to buy something, and I can slip a good 40 minutes to study instead of going to the cafeteria.” said Madhavanur
Catalyst Coffee is another lunch option that provides a quiet space and wide variety of drinks and pastries, making it a popular hangout for many students.
Students described Catalyst Coffee lunch trips as a mental reset, and several students go to Catalyst Coffee to escape the cafeteria noise.
“It feels more grown up and modern like you’re not in a high school, and the menu there is really good and fills me for the day,” sophomore Dhalia Das said.
Lastly, off-campus lunch, the privilege that allows seniors to eat off campus most days, has led a considerable decrease in cafeteria attendance.
For students, lunch isn’t just about eating, but it is also about taking a break throughout a long school day.
“Being able to leave campus during the school day feels fun, and honestly it’s part of our culture,” senior Kendall Johnson said. “A lot of friendships are built in that time off campus, so people don’t want that tradition to fade.”
Students said that lunch is better when it is served as a break and a chance to reset, rather than something that is built into the school routine.
“When you go off with your friends, they remind you that your value isn’t just as a student but as a human, “Johnson said. “Being in a carefree environment that doesn’t carry the stress we feel here sometimes is just a really nice break.”
The cafeteria is competing with the variety of the Buzz, the calm energy of the Catalyst and the freedom of off campus lunch.
“Choosing these other options instead of the cafeteria is like stepping out of the school bubble for a minute,” Johnson said. “It’s a small escape that makes the rest of the day feel more manageable.”
