The new tenders at MHS are stirring up some controversy…

Every other Tuesday, the cafeteria of MHS is filled with anger and despair towards the famous Tender Tuesday; the well-known chicken tenders have been changed this year into a smaller portion of chicken nuggets. According to the staff, this change is for the better, but for the students, it’s hard for them to forget how good the old Tender Tuesday used to be and embrace this new change in what has always been a tradition.

Senior Emily Livingston explains, “Nothing is worse than going to the lunch line after waiting through 5 hours of class, and you get up there to get those tenders, and what do you get? Straight up nugs.” Although the students are angry about the changes the head of the Food and Services department, Deborah Waldenmaier says that, “The new chicken is now made of whole muscle meat, it is less processed.” Along with being less processed, the newer chicken contains more protein than the old ones and also comes in a better portion size.  Sophomore, Sydney Baldwin, says, “Even though I’m disappointed with the tenders this year, I guess I’m glad that they are higher quality and better for you. I think it’s great that our school is trying to make lunch healthier.” The new, less processed chicken tenders are definitely a healthier choice for the students, and are a part of the huge effort our cafeteria is putting in to improve the nutritional value of our school lunches.

So what else can you expect to change in the Minnetonka Cafeteria? Deborah Waldenmaier explains, “there will be more changes to come this year, we want to ease into making the menu more healthy.” Some changes to expect include, more homemade items on the menu and a “try me, I’m free” section, to introduce new food items to the students.

Although the students may be mad about the new changes that have been made regarding Tender Tuesday, these changes are for the better. The cafeteria staff has been working very hard to make these changes in order to transform our school lunches, making them much healthier for us students. So even though you may be disappointed with the switch, remember that they are healthier. Nugs aren’t so bad after all.