Help us reach 100 signatures by Wednesday (3/4/26) at the end of the school day!

First lunch was recently moved inside only, which means we’re no longer allowed to eat in the Spillout area. This change only affects first lunch, and many students are unhappy about it. Eating outside gives us fresh air, space to relax, and a real mental break before afternoon classes. Being stuck in a loud, crowded cafeteria can increase stress and make it harder to focus later in the day.

We’re asking the school to let first lunch go back outside with a rotating staff member supervising so it stays safe. We just want a lunch environment that helps students feel calm, focused, and happy.

Evidence:

Spending time outside during lunch offers a wide range of benefits for students. Stepping away from the classroom helps reset the mind, acting as a natural antidote to the “afternoon slump” and improving focus for later lessons. Natural sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which improves mood, while also helping the body produce Vitamin D, an essential nutrient for immune health and preventing fatigue. Eating in a calm, open-air environment activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to digest food more efficiently than in a loud cafeteria. Outdoor spaces also tend to feel less cramped and more relaxed, encouraging stronger social bonds and more meaningful conversations with friends. Many observational studies even report that food tastes better outside, likely because the subject’s senses are more engaged and at ease. Some pilot studies have found that schools encouraging outdoor time and better-paced lunches saw fewer nurse visits for headaches and stomachaches, along with a noticeable decrease in food waste. 

Crowded cafeterias can create several challenges. Noise levels during peak lunch hours can exceed 100 decibels, which may raise cortisol levels and increase stress or anxiety, especially for students with sensory sensitivities. This overwhelming environment can drain energy and reduce focus in afternoon classes, as research shows that loud, unpredictable noise can impair short-term memory and increase mistakes on cognitive tasks. When students feel rushed by long lines or chaotic surroundings, they are less likely to finish their meals, leading to greater food waste and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables. Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels may also contribute to long-term hearing risks, as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, environments perceived as unpleasant or overly restrictive, such as strict “silent lunch” policies, can sometimes trigger frustration or disruptive behavior rather than promote calmness.