Hungry after practice? Grab a slice of pizza … Oh, wait, we no longer have the NAC Cafe. This has become a recurring frustration for many Upper School (US) students. Students want an easy burrito or slice of pizza after school or practice, and what used to be a simple $3 snack is now a bare, empty closet.

    To understand why the US needs the NAC Cafe, we must reminisce about the good times. After practice, student-athletes would rush upstairs to indulge in a hot, cheesy slice, replenishing their bodies after a difficult game or exhausting practice. Spectators waiting by the cold ice rink could warm up with food, too. The NAC Cafe was not just convenient; it brought community and energy to students and families alike.

    Now, the loss of the NAC Cafe goes beyond food itself. Hungry students are forced to order from DoorDash, which is both expensive and wasteful because of delivery packaging and transportation. Others leave campus entirely, walking to Harvard Square to buy food. When the cafe existed, students stayed in the NAC together, eating, talking and laughing. It created community. It was affordable and convenient, and it brought students together in a way that simply does not happe

n anymore.

    The Vanguard board understands that opening a school cafe is difficult due to cost and employment considerations, but let’s break it down realistically. Would the school truly lose significant profit? A $3 slice of pizza is already marked up enough that the administration likely would not lose money. Additionally, reopening the cafe could also create opportunities for students themselves. Many Independent School League schools, including Noble and Greenough, St. George’s and Milton Academy have their own cafes. Their cafes are all student-led — a great way to address the cost issue while providing students with work experience. We should follow in their footsteps! Students could even run the cafe as part of a sports requirement or season of service, creating a sustainable system that benefits both students and the school.

    Not to mention, we are missing out on admissions opportunities for new students because we lack this feature. For many students, the quality of food at a school is an important factor in their decision.

    At the end of the day, the NAC Cafe was more than a place to grab food. Bringing it back would increase our school’s spirit, community and convenience.

    Let them eat pizza!