how long do your kids get for lunch?

[Anonymous]

My 1st and 2nd grader have been saying they nearly never have enough time to eat lunch. They have both said that within a few minutes of sitting down in the cafeteria the "five minute" announcement is made. They've both said they and most other kids aren't able to finish all their food because there isn't enough time. It is especially bad when they take hot lunch, as they have to get through the line; they've done more cold lunch lately to have a few extra minutes but I do know that some kids take hot lunch every day so I'm thinking about them, too.

[Anonymous]

I’m a retired teacher sub and work mainly at my former ES. Those who pack pretty much get the full 30 minutes. Most are done well before we pick them up and dismiss them from their tables (that time after they finish can get pretty loud). I know some classes take folder games and dry erase math type games they can use after they eat. Those who buy have less time, but typically the lines aren’t very long since the majority of the students at the school pack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 1st and 2nd grader have been saying they nearly never have enough time to eat lunch. They have both said that within a few minutes of sitting down in the cafeteria the "five minute" announcement is made. They've both said they and most other kids aren't able to finish all their food because there isn't enough time. It is especially bad when they take hot lunch, as they have to get through the line; they've done more cold lunch lately to have a few extra minutes but I do know that some kids take hot lunch every day so I'm thinking about them, too.

"Take hot lunch" means "get a hot lunch from the cafeteria" and not actually bringing it from home, correct?

[Anonymous]

I think ES lunch is 20 minutes? Not including the lining up to get there and the lining up to leave. Getting through the line can take time but can't be helped if they didn't bring anything with them. Another consideration is your kids may be busy enjoying conversations with their friends and too busy or distracted to eat in the time given. All schools have a lot of students to feed in not a lot of time so yeah, it can feel a bit rushed for some kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 1st and 2nd grader have been saying they nearly never have enough time to eat lunch. They have both said that within a few minutes of sitting down in the cafeteria the "five minute" announcement is made. They've both said they and most other kids aren't able to finish all their food because there isn't enough time. It is especially bad when they take hot lunch, as they have to get through the line; they've done more cold lunch lately to have a few extra minutes but I do know that some kids take hot lunch every day so I'm thinking about them, too.

We often get "I didn't have time to eat" when we ask why half a lunch comes home. There isn't much they can do in most schools when you factor in how many kids need to use the cafeteria and how much else they have to get in. We know it's not going to change so we have changed our strategy - bigger breakfast, more substantial snack, foods that can be eaten as 1 pre-prepared item (wrap, sandwich, etc.), big snack when they get home.

If they go through the line it's worse so we just don't do that. If they want hot lunch, I pack something in a thermos (again, a 1 dish meal).

[Anonymous]

My kids had 30 minutes for lunch when they were in elementary and had no problem finishing. But they bring their lunch. If you're at a school where a large proportion of the students purchase lunch, I could see where that could be an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think ES lunch is 20 minutes? Not including the lining up to get there and the lining up to leave. Getting through the line can take time but can't be helped if they didn't bring anything with them. Another consideration is your kids may be busy enjoying conversations with their friends and too busy or distracted to eat in the time given. All schools have a lot of students to feed in not a lot of time so yeah, it can feel a bit rushed for some kids.

12:21 here.
It’s 30 minutes

[Anonymous]

This has been like this for the last 40+ years. This is a non-issue.

[Anonymous]

Everyone at every school is allotted 30 minutes for lunch. It can take a few minutes to walk there and back, so maybe 25 minutes in the cafeteria.

If they go through the lunch line, it may be 5-10 minutes shorter by the time they get to the table.

[Anonymous]

Mine only had 30 minutes, but he generally shovels food down anyway.

He’s an eater!

[Anonymous]

The lines are usually pretty efficient and 30 minutes is a long time to eat. They might be having fun and chatting with friends. I would not worry about it.