Lunchtime Should be Longer

Lunchtime Should be Longer

When lunchtime is mentioned in schools, people normally talk about the quality or nutritional value of food. Although, the length of the lunchtime may also have an effect on the health and academics of the students.

Why are lunch periods shortened?

Lunch periods are usually shortened because schools need to shorten their overall time, while still fitting the academic time. Therefore, lunchtime is the first to go.

Sometimes, administrators are afraid that more free time could put students into danger. Some schools are overwhelmed with students so they need to alternate the students’ lunchtime into 2 or more periods.

Healthier Meals

Often, the longer it takes to make a healthy meal, the healthier it is. When students have more time to eat, obviously, they are going to eat more. Even if students start with unhealthy things, they will still have time for healthy food like fruit or vegetables. It is especially important for parents without the money to send their children to school with proper lunches, who depend on the school for half of their lunch.

Time to relax

Rushing to eat doesn’t give students enough time to properly enjoy the food, sense fullness, or how food makes them feel so they know when to stop. Allowing students to socialize at lunchtime is important for their focus on academics in the afternoon. Although some adults worry about students wandering off in play time, most children use this time to socialize, catch up on homework, or get help from teachers.

So in conclusion, lunchtime should be longer because there are healthier meals and there is more time to relax.