For some students, lunchtime can feel like a race. They have to wait in line in the cafeteria, find a seat, and finish eating before the bell rings. But many students in Maine may soon have more time to enjoy their meal. A proposed law in that state would require schools to give at least 30 minutes for lunch. Other states, including South Carolina and Rhode Island, are considering similar laws.
“We hear from students that it makes them feel very stressed when they feel rushed to finish their food,” says Anna Korsen. She works at an organization called Full Plates Full Potential. “They might not be getting the right nutrition if they can’t finish all their food.”
Studies have found that students who have shorter lunch periods eat fewer fruits and veggies.
But classes could get cut short to make room for longer lunch periods. Some people argue that students can’t afford to lose valuable learning time.