The subject of Tuscaloosa County School lunches ignited a fire storm across social media Wednesday after the article featuring a purported Northside High School lunch tray posted from a fed up mom.

Reaction was swift and as the day progressed, so did the amount of comments as parents and school officials argued over the legitimacy of the pictures. Images of area school lunches posted throughout the day suggested a much different story than officials offered.

Some commenters insisted the student had simply chosen poorly. The idea of anyone, even teenagers, choosing the inferior tray over the culinary paradise offered in the Instagram-worthy photos simply requires me to suspend belief beyond what I am personally capable of. There's a mythical quality about them.

The TCSS Superintendent and Director of Child Nutrition insist changes are in the works and I take them at their word, but I can't shake the nagging feeling that open dialogue with parents is an unpleasant intrusion.

One commenter took issue with my promotion of Whataburger and Krispy Kreme while complaining about the school food offered to students at lunch. I'm assuming this was an effort to undermine my credibility to raise this as an issue. This individual is either unaware or chooses to ignore my well-documented comments focusing on the miserly portions and pathetic presentation.

Today, a Sipsey Valley High School student sent me this picture:

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The text conversation that followed is startling (my comments in green):

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The wide chasm between evidence offered for each side of the debate is significant to say the least. While not important to the larger issue, it's worth noting prices for extra items seemed varied ranging from $1.75 and $2. Again, not a fact that concerns me overmuch.

Why do so many students across different Tuscaloosa County schools consistently complain about inferior lunches?

Why shouldn't we believe them when so much evidence supports their claims?

School officials insist parents must be more involved, yet their actions suggest parental involvement is meddlesome.

What can be done so parents and teachers reach a happy medium?

Weigh in with your comments and suggestions.

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