School lunchtime is a debated topic in schools today. School districts would like to see kids have more time for lunch, but are pressed to meet testing objectives. It has become a tug of war between getting kids a nutritious lunch with enough time to eat, while still meeting educational goals.

Lunchtime is defined when a student gets their meal to the end of the lunch period.  Then we need to factor in time getting to lunch, waiting for lunch and cleaning up.  In fact, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that students get at least twenty minutes for lunch–twenty minutes to actually sit down and eat–excluding time waiting in line or walking from class to the cafeteria. Students that only have fifteen minute lunch periods are rushed and barely able to finish their lunch in time. When students are given enough time to eat lunch, they have a better nutritional status. Nutrition status directly affects academic achievement, conduct, and overall school performance

If we were to allow a thirty-minute lunch period, this would permit students enough time to socialize with their friends and avoid the stress of trying to eat their lunch in time. Students would be able to eat slowly and take their time. Studies suggest that a longer school lunchtime allows students to enjoy healthier food items as well.

On event block days, we experience a longer lunchtime. Each lunch period is thirty minutes and the last lunch is thirty-five minutes. During these lunches, students are not rushing to get their lunch. Students are more at ease and able to slow down.

One of the cons of a longer lunch period is that academics performances may take a hit.

Bottom line is that students will spend more time in the lunch room, and less time in the classroom. Teachers will have to change their current lesson plans to allow for shorter classes. Fifteen minutes is too short and an hour is too long – thirty minutes seems to be the best compromise.