My daughter is in kindergarten, and every day she comes home from school complaining of hunger. After visiting her school, I realized she simply wasn't getting enough time to sit and eat her food. Like many parents, I trusted our educational system to provide our children with adequate time for meals, so they remain focused and perform well academically.

Currently, the lunch period for elementary schools in Redmond, OR is only 15-20 minutes long. This short timeframe doesn't allow children sufficient moments to make it to the lunchroom, wait in line, and sit down with their meals to eat adequately. As a result, many children return home hungry and unable to focus during the day.

Hunger directly correlates with poor academic performance. It affects behavior, memory, and concentration, essential components of a child's educational success. Compromising on lunchtime ultimately compromises our children's growth and learning opportunities.

By extending the elementary school lunch period to a mandatory 30 minutes, we can ensure our children have the time they need to eat properly, filling their stomachs and equipping them with the fuel required to concentrate and thrive in their classes. This adjustment is not only vital for their immediate well-being but also has long-term impacts on their academic future.

Join me in urging the Redmond School District to extend our children's lunch times, ensuring every child in Redmond has the opportunity to learn and succeed without the distraction and detriment of hunger. Sign this petition today to make a meaningful change for our children's health and their educational futures.