Lunch is an extremely important part of a child’s day. Several studies show that nutritional status can directly affect learning ability among school-aged children, not to mention its effects on mood and behavior - which is somewhat important in middle schoolers! The government even has many laws requiring schools to address these issues through the National School Lunch Program. 

What does that matter if the kids only have five minutes to gobble down a small portion of their food? Studies show eating quickly can interfere with absorption of nutrients which can affect both physical and cognitive development and one study showed short lunch length can increase the students’ BMI - body mass index. When kids are under pressure to eat fast, they’re not going to be eating the carrots first. This can create bad habits that follow them throughout adulthood. In fact, providing enough time for students to sit with friends and enjoy their meals is among the top 10 factors identified by health professionals as important to the development of healthy eating behaviors.

We need to send the message that lunch is an important time to refuel both mind and body, and that our kids are valued enough to be given adequate time to do so. The recommended amount of time to spend eating is 20 minutes to maintain normal eating behavior and hunger and satiation cues. That is 20 after minutes sitting down, unpressured, eating. Additional time needs to be added for line waiting, washing hands, and walking to the cafeteria and table. 

Currently our kids have 10-12 minutes eating (less if buying) and an additional 20 minutes waiting in the sun when it’s not their turn in the cafeteria. My daughter reported that after waiting in line one day she had three minutes to eat before she was told to finish up. Gulf Coast High School provides 37 minutes for their students’ lunch. 

Florida State Law requires minors to be given a 30 minute lunch break at work. Don’t our students deserve at least that? Every school lunch, all 180 of them this year, are opportunities to learn good eating behaviors, instead of hurriedly eating an inadequate amount of food and feeling miserable the rest of the day. 

Please consider signing this petition, writing a letter or making a call. Our kids are worth it.