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By Elizabeth Aguilera

The McDonald’s on Whittier Boulevard in Boyle Heights is jammed on a recent weeknight.

Outside, a bright yellow poster welcomes customers to “McTeacher Night.” It’s a fundraiser that funnels a portion of the evening’s proceeds to nearby Stevenson Middle School. Behind the counter, teachers watch over the French fryer and assemble orders onto trays.

As sixth grader Ruby Flores enjoys her meal of McNuggets and Frappes, she says she wishes she could get this food at school.

“It’s more tastier,” says the 11-year-old. “More flavor to it.”

It’s been more than a decade since L.A. Unified banned sugary drinks and fatty foods from school menus in favor of healthier meals. But the district’s rules permit the sale of junk food at off-campus events, and, as long as it’s after school hours, during on-campus activities as well. Those exceptions, say some parents and activists, undercut the spirit of the healthy food policy.

 

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