What the cost of one meal can buy

It is the definition of a moral dilemma. A variable in the equation of life. In the end, not to be too morbid, it could be a determining factor in your death. One of the most important questions that today's youth face on a daily basis is: "Where should I go for lunch?"

I decided after my last column to write one that was fun, and I chose food because, well, I like to eat. And so do many of you out there ... well, hopefully. Utilizing the resources available to me, I jumped on Facebook and quickly sent out an e-mail asking a slightly altered version of the above question: "For my column, I need to know your favorite place to go for lunch. Please respond ASAP." The responses I got back were different, yet similar.

Shrina Sahota, a senior at Yuba City High School, replied first, with "Chipotle." She was the only one to throw out Chipotle in this unofficial poll. To fully comprehend the choice, I had to suffer — not that I didn't mind — and eat at Chipotle myself. While the burrito bowl was delicious, I don't share Shrina's devout love for Chipotle.

"Quiznos" was the obvious choice to junior Julie Alexander. Julie also stood alone when she voted Quiznos as her favorite lunch. While I do enjoy a good sandwich every now and then, I disagree with Julie's choice.

The winner of this "poll" definitely is a true winner. Four of those asked (this question of utmost importance) replied the same way. Their chosen restaurant is new to our area, and maybe it is simply a temporary fling because the thrill of a new restaurant was overwhelming.

Janelle Yahn, a junior, Emily Webber, a sophomore, and Pindi Thiara and Angelina Aceves, both seniors, all replied "Panda!" I agree hands down with the Panda crowd.

I would have to say that my favorite polling station is on wheels. People kindly drop off presents in the back of this polling station. No, it is not a dump truck or even a Dumpster; it is the bed of my truck.

While I dislike cleaning half-eaten meals out of the back of my truck, it does provide insight into what people like to eat. Taco Bell is in the lead, with McDonald's in a close second.

I feel that when people choose their lunch spots, a global perspective should be considered. Here is one for us at "Honker High" to consider: One of the top killers in Africa is malaria. Are you willing to give one lunch to save a life?

The average cost of a fast-food meal can range anywhere from $5 to $10. For $7 a month — the equivalent cost of one meal per month — you could sustain the life of a person living with AIDS for a year, provide clean water to seven Africans for an entire year or save one person from malaria. This is what the Mocha Club (themochaclub.org) does for $7 a month.

So my challenge to my fellow YCHS students is: Are you willing to give up a meal?

We are Honkers and we will fly.

Tucker Walden is a senior at Yuba City High School. His column appears every six weeks in Education.