When looking around DV, it’s hard to miss the swarm of Doordash deliveries during school hours. Whether it’s the crinkle of plastic bags or students rushing to the front of the school to grab their order before their next class, food delivery has become a part of a daily routine. It’s no longer just about convenience, Doordash has carved out a new role in DV culture.
For many students ordering their favorite meals adds excitement to their day, breaking the monotony of cafeteria food or a packed lunch from home. Beyond satisfying hunger, it’s about the experience: sharing fries or flexing a meal in front of your friends, making lunchtime a lively and social experience. This social aspect of DoorDash has made it feel less like a tool for convenience and more like a cultural phenomenon. People snap photos of their food or talk about what they’re going to order next time.
DoorDash has turned into something bigger than just a food app; it’s almost like a status symbol. If you’re ordering Chipotle or a Starbucks drink instead of eating school lunch pizza, it sets you apart. It’s not just about the food itself, but about what it says to the people around you. Even if it’s unspoken, there’s this underlying idea that bringing a hot, trendy meal to lunch is “cooler” than the alternative. “OMG, you have DoorDash?” people exclaim, eyes darting to the girl unlocking her phone, the bright red logo glowing as it loads a list of restaurants.
But it’s not all fun and games. For some, DoorDash isn’t just about the food, it’s about the moment. The sight of a Dasher handing over a Baja Blast from Taco Bell or a Wingstop boneless meal deal can spark curiosity or even a little envy. Seeing others with their trendy meals can create a subtle feeling of FOMO. It’s not always about showing off, but in a school where little things get noticed, a delivery can feel like a small way to stand out or fit in.
And then there’s the cost. DoorDash orders don’t come cheap. Sure, ordering Chick-fil-A or T4 sounds amazing, but between delivery fees, tips, service charges and marked-up menus, prices add up fast. For some, it’s just another part of their routine, but not everyone can afford to drop $30 on a sandwich and fries. It’s created this unspoken divide, between those who can splurge on DoorDash and those who can’t. In a place where equality already feels tricky, this trend makes it even more obvious who gets to indulge and who doesn’t.
Still, there’s no denying DoorDash has changed the way we experience lunch at DV. It’s no longer just about food, but it’s also about convenience, excitement and the status that comes with it. This shift isn’t just a minor change in our routine; it’s altering how we see ourselves and each other. Is food delivery making lunchtime more exciting, or is it reinforcing the growing focus on status and trends in our social interactions? Either way, it’s clear that DoorDash is here to stay, and it’s already left its mark on DV culture. As this trend continues, it will redefine the social structure of this school, creating new divides and reshaping how we relate to one another.