As a long-time educator and certified fitness instructor, I have witnessed firsthand the struggle our students face due to insufficient time for lunch and recess. Over the years, my students have consistently expressed their desire for extended periods of recess and more time to eat. With an ever-increasing reliance on electronic devices, our children are not getting enough physical exercise. This lack of activity is contributing to a growing obesity crisis among young people that often leads to health issues in adulthood.

Currently, students are given an average of 20 minutes for lunch with little to no recess time. This is simply not enough. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recess is a crucial part of children's development and it should be considered as important as reading or math in school curriculums (AAP, 2013). Moreover, research has shown that when children have sufficient time to eat their meals at school they consume more nutrients which can help combat obesity (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016).

Extending lunchtime will not only allow students adequate time to nourish their bodies but also provide them with much-needed downtime from academic pressures. A longer recess period will encourage physical activity which can help manage weight issues while also improving mental health.

The benefits are clear - we need longer lunches and more extensive recess periods for our students' overall well-being. The time has come for us educators, parents, community members - all stakeholders in our children's future -to advocate strongly on this issue.

Please sign this petition today so we can make a positive change in our schools' schedules that will benefit both current students as well as generations yet unborn!