Food delivery services have gained popularity among students, propelled by the accessibility of apps such as Postmates, DoorDash, or Bite Squad. The most popular restaurants are the closest to the upper school. DoorDash cites Chipotle and Uptown Diner as the restaurants with the fastest delivery.

        The phenomenon observed from delivery services, while fun to some, is based on our entitlement and show-off culture. Generation Z, at times food-obsessed, is surrounded by ease and access, a cultural trait learned by lifelong access to technology and streaming.

       We all know the story: A confused delivery man approaches the front doors, a brightly colored company car parked off Kenwood Parkway. After staring desperately into the school, he is let in and heads to the office with his large bags of takeout.

      Just as frequently as food is ordered to the school, deans send out emails to the grade conferences about the problems these deliveries cause. Eating across campus usually results in messes in the lounges, classrooms, and library. No food out of the cafeteria unless for an approved group/club meeting, writes Senior Grade Dean Anne Rubin. Any food brought into school (e.g. Chipotle) should be consumed in cafeteria.

      When students order from delivery services, they are asking everyone around us to accommodate. Betty Brown is often stuck with the distracting task of directing delivery personnel while the custodial staff is left to pick up trash and stray forks stolen from the lunchroom.

     Prepaid meals in the cafeteria go to waste when eating outside food, unnecessarily costing the student. The included lunch charge joins delivery fees and taxes accompanying food delivery services. As a private school with great and diverse lunches, choosing to order from elsewhere is neither cost-efficient nor respectful, so why do we do it?

          Students do it for others to see. There is a certain pride in being able to order outside food and brag about it to others, whether intentionally or not. Almost always these delivery meals are followed by a post on social media with Punch boxes or shiny aluminum burrito bowls.

     While there is no shame in cravings, next time it is worth considering: Is it worth it?