By Cameron Wieners
Irvington High School has put a ban on all food deliveries during unit lunch, drawing ire from the student body. Some students have questioned this decision as unnecessary and inconvenient, while Principal Hirsch declares the decision necessary for logistical concerns.
Principal Hirsch announced the change coinciding with the implementation of the block schedule ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. In a blast email to students and parents, Hirsch provided the reasoning for this controversial decision. “With the entire school participating in Unit Lunch at the same time, dozens of delivery drivers potentially arriving on campus during that period would create traffic and security concerns that are simply not sustainable.”
Students are frustrated with the decision, as many say the inconvenience caused by unit lunch is further increased by the ban on ordering. “I need that energy mid-day, sometimes the school lunch can’t support you,” said Emmett Eson, a sophomore. Maya Mendez, also a 10th grader, complained, “I’m really upset because I always used to order during lunch.” Jordan Henry agreed, saying “Yeah, it’s annoying.”
Other students say they understand the policy, and have turned to other options instead. Senior Gino Racanelli agreed with the ban. “I think it’s smart,” he said. Sam Lee, a junior, says of the change, “I don’t really mind because I don’t deliver anyway.”
While the policy applies to all student orders, teachers are still allowed to place deliveries during the unit lunch. This has further frustrated students, with KJ Mastropietro, a 10th grader saying, “I think it’s unfair that teachers can order UberEats, and all students can do is preorder school lunch three days in advance.”
Mastropietro was referring to one of multiple new accommodations the school has added, giving students new places to order from and sit. Students can now pre order sandwiches and salads from the deli in advance, while a vending machine was placed in the academic commons. Currently, the vending machine is out of order, but Principal Hirsch said that the school is working on adding new options, such as pre-made meals, protein bars, and beverages.
The block schedule has caused many changes and challenges, and students are going to have to be flexible and willing to make adjustments. For now, Principal Hirsch states that there will be no change to the policy in the foreseeable future, so students will need to get used to lunch without deliveries.
