If you have been to the lunch lines this year, you probably noticed that the lines are very long. One reason is that the meals are completely free this year. Breakfast and lunch are free and available for all students. 

Linda Martinez is the first-year cafeteria assistant manager at Cypress High School. She came from Western High School, and is replacing Mrs. Ponce, who is out on medical leave. She said that she is aware of the long lines and that the school is trying to make the computers in the cafeteria much faster. 

In 2020, the pandemic changed the cafeteria in many ways. Since the students were not on campus, many were deprived of a hot meal, and had to depend a lot on packaged foods. Before, the cafeteria included items such as nacho bowls, but because of the pandemic they are now offering prepackaged items such as orange chicken with rice and bean burritos. According to Martinez, the most popular foods in the lunch lines are “burger spicys” and pizza. Martinez says all this food distribution wouldn’t be possible without the students and is very grateful.