Ideally, meals at school should do more than provide food that meets minimum nutrition requirements. In addition to supporting students’ physical health, we think meals should:
- be a part of students’ learning experience
- allow sufficient time for students to enjoy their meals, relax, and interact socially
Medical organizations and health experts strongly recommend longer lunch periods, shorter lines, improved facilities and more adults eating with the students. In order to reduce children’s tendency to rush, recess should always be scheduled lunch, not after.