At Vista Ridge High School, Muslim students like me bring lunch from home every day. Its not because we want to, but because there are no halal options in the cafeteria. This is about more than just food, it’s about belonging. For me, it also meant watching my mom lose sleep every night to make sure I had something to eat. I want to share what that experience has been like and how one small change once brought us both a bit of joy.
Its dark outside, almost past midnight, but my mom's work is not over, not until our halal lunches for school are made, packed, and ready for the next day. She's a stay-at-home mom, and unlike what a lot of people think, that doesn’t mean she sits around all day. She’s constantly on her feet, managing the house, cleaning up, helping us with school, and still finding time to cook for us every single day! On weekdays, she barely gets five hours of sleep because she's up late making sure we have food for the next day, and I know my family is not the only one. A lot of my friends have to pack their own lunches, rushing in the early morning, sometimes skipping breakfast, just to make sure they’ll have something to eat, even if it’s just cold leftovers from last night. Meanwhile, I sit in the cafeteria watching everyone else grab trays of warm food, laughing and eating together, while I quietly eat cold meals out of plastic containers. Many times I catch myself longing to just get in the lunch line, grab some warm food, and simply eat without thinking twice.
It wasn’t always like this however. Back when I lived in New Jersey, something amazing happened early in the school year. Our small Muslim community had come together and asked our school to provide halal meals. I still remember coming home one afternoon, my mom, casually but smiling, saying, “They have halal food at your school now.” I honestly didn’t believe it at first. But when it sunk in, I felt this mix of excitement and a rush of happiness as some of the guilt I felt eased away. Like maybe some of the weight she carries every night will finally be a little lighter. I’ll never forget the chicken burger I had that week. It smelled so good, tasted even better! My non-Muslim friends even asked if they could have some, it was that delicious! And just standing in line with my classmates with trays in hand, just made me feel so much more included, and I cherish those times to this day. That small change made everyday life feel lighter, easier, and just…happier, for both me and my mother.
That’s just the kind of experience I hope every Muslim student can have. I hope one day I can walk into the cafeteria again and see options I can eat, just like everyone else. I hope my mom can rest a little easier, and that no one has to feel left out just because of what they believe. Thank you for reading this and hearing my story. I truly hope you’ll support the effort to bring halal meals to our school!
Maham Jawad, 10th grader at Vista Ridge High School (2025-2026)