At University High School Charter nutrition break is given from 10:39am-10:49am, which only gives students 10 minutes. That is 10 minutes spent waiting in long lines to use the bathroom, going across campus to get something from lockers, talking to teachers, to work on class work, eating food brought from home, or to socialize with friends. Like many students, I often find myself having to choose between using the restroom during the tight 10-minute nutrition break at school or going to my locker. With the time spent in line waiting to use the bathroom or walking around campus, many of us are left with little to no time to do anything else and often feel rushed and become stressed.

It is vital to note that adequate nutrition is essential for our learning capacity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Breakfast Program are more likely to have better concentration, alertness, memory, and improved grades (CDC, 2014). Yet, the short nutrition break duration often discourages students from grabbing a meal, potentially impacting their academic performance since they aren't getting a nutritious meal. 

Extended breaks also mean greater opportunities for students to socialize and engage in other necessary activities, thus improving our overall well-being at school. Health experts advocate for at least 20 minutes for lunch (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016), but sadly, this isn't often the case with our nutrition breaks. Our proposal is to extend the nutrition break to 20 minutes, which is the amount of time given at other schools. 

By extending the nutrition break duration, we could ensure that all students have enough time to eat, use the restroom, and engage in other activities necessary for a balanced school life. It's time to make a change for the better to ensure all students are in a healthier environment! Please sign this petition to support extending the nutrition break duration in schools.