By Nikita Suharu
Like similar changes in the past, such as removing the Commons pit, Williamsville East aims to meet all the guidelines for a healthy and safe educational environment. Although the cafeteria steps are missed, the discretionary snacks at the school store will be remembered dearly. Mrs. Kazmierczak, one of the school store managers, provides the reasons behind such a sudden change, “In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy Foods in Schools Act which directed the secretary of agriculture to promote ‘healthy’ foods in schools. To be in adherence to the guidelines of this act, the school store needed to make changes to the beverages and snacks being offered.”
This major change won’t be welcomed by everyone as the traditional snacks at the school store have been offered since Williamsville’s East’s establishment- yet, on the bright side, the students at East will become healthier because of such a change. As a mother of one of these students, Mrs. Kazmierczak adds, “We know that many students may not be able to purchase their favorite snack or beverage. If any students would like to research the guidelines and suggest snacks and beverages that satisfy federal mandates, the store managers would be happy to review such recommendations.”