The children in the San Diego County School District, have a very limited time frame to finish their lunches. It doesn't seem to matter whether it is a packed lunch or they are getting lunch from the cafeteria, they still are not finishing lunches within the allotted time frame. This is unacceptable, and quite concerning as a parent. No child should have to rush to eat or not get to eat at all. Not to mention the amount of food waste this creates.

Currently all kids in the school district only have 20 minutes to eat lunch. This is barely enough time for an adult to finish lunch, let alone children who are easily distracted and/or given the option between recess or eating. There should be a "no kid hungry" policy. The children can't be expected to survive on just their morning snack alone, at least for elementary schools. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) actually recommends that students be given enough time to eat their school lunch because they are more likely to enjoy their food and eat healthier options when they are not rushed. Nutritional status has been shown to directly affect academic achievement, conduct, and overall school performancee. Children need more sustenance to be able to concentrate and learn!

There should be more time allotted for them to to eat - AT LEAST 30 minutes. I realize this could create a issue on where the kids will eat due to possible overlapping lunch shifts, but that can be figured out -- whether outside, in classrooms or elsewhere. 

Please support this very pressing issue and help these children get the time they need to actually eat lunch and not come home or go to after school care feeling hungry!