Should EPHS Lunch Periods be Extended?

Sophia Chora, Staff Reporter

October 2, 2024

Lunchtime is probably everyone’s favorite part of the day and for good reason. It’s an important time for students at EPHS: a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with friends without worrying about schoolwork. However, students at EPHS often voice concerns about the school’s lunch period and its cafeteria. One major complaint is that the current lunch period is too short. Many students feel they don’t have enough time to eat or enjoy their food.

This issue isn’t unique to EPHS; other schools are facing similar concerns. In the article, “Teachers Say Students Don’t Have Enough Time to Eat Lunch,” educators point out that students “…only have a fraction of their lunch period to actually eat because they also use that time to go to the restroom and wait in line for food” (Sparks & Porthero).

This image shows how long the lines are during lunchtime; most times they’re even longer. Meanwhile, the lines for the microwaves are about the same length with a similar wait time.

At EPHS, the majority of students participate in the free or reduced lunch programs, which makes the cafeteria lines even longer. Many students report waiting up to 15 minutes just to get their food, leaving them with only around 10 minutes to eat and use the restroom. This is particularly frustrating because lunch is often the only time students can use the restroom without facing long lines.

Another major reason EPHS should consider extending lunch periods is that every lunch session is overcrowded. With only 2-3 lunch staff per food station, it’s impossible to serve all the students quickly. The lunch lines often resemble mobs because there isn’t enough room in the cafeteria to accommodate everyone. Additionally, the high number of students relying on school-provided lunches, due to the free and reduced lunch programs, means fewer students are bringing food from home, further contributing to the overcrowding.

Another significant issue is that by the time students in the later lunch periods (such as D lunch) get to the cafeteria, there is often no food left. The kitchen staff sometimes runs out of food by the end of the 5A, B, C, and D lunch waves, leaving some students without proper meals.

This shows how the food at EPHS is laid out. These are some of the images provided by the lunch program we use, “Quest”.

One possible solution is for the school administration to conduct a more thorough review of students eligible for free and reduced lunches to ensure the program serves those truly in need. This might help reduce the lines and ensure everyone has enough time to eat, use the restroom, and take advantage of other facilities.

Statistics show that less than half of the teaching staff agree with 25 minutes. According to “Teachers Say Students Don’t Have Enough Time to Eat Lunch”, only 27% of teachers around the U.S. agree that 25 minutes is enough time to eat lunch (Sparks & Porthero). For example, I am a busy student and often forget to bring lunch, so I rely on the school cafeteria. On the days I buy lunch, I spend around 10-15 minutes waiting in line, which leaves me with barely any time to eat or talk to my friends. We are forced to rush through lunch, not because we want to but because of the short schedule EPHS provides.

These are some of the main meals Quest Food Services provide. One meal includes an entree, a side of vegetables, and a fruit.

EPHS should consider the well-being of its students and recognize that lunchtime is not just for eating but also for resting and taking a break from the stress of schoolwork. Adding even just 5 extra minutes to each lunch period could make a significant difference. It would give students more time to eat their meals, relax, and socialize, which would lead to healthier, happier, and more productive students. In general, the school should prioritize the mental and physical well-being of its students by making lunch a time for a genuine break and a nice refresh.

Works Cited

Bernstein, L., Weber, L., & Keating, D. (2023, October 17). Weak rules allow ultra-processed foods like Lunchables on school menus – Washington Post. The Washington Post. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2023/lunchables-school-lunch-ultraprocessed-foods/

Cite
K-12 Dining — Quest Food Management Services. (n.d.). Quest Food Management Services. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://www.questfms.com/education-dining
Narciso, April Montalvo. “Why School Lunch Should Be Longer.” The Bruin Post, 27 Sept. 2022, thebruinpost.org/3069/opinion/why-school-lunch-should-be-longer/.
Realmuto, A. (2021, November 18). Long Lunch Lines Leave Students Frustrated – Bulldog Bark. Bulldog Bark. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://thebulldogbark.com/26353/news/long-lunch-lines-leave-students-frustrated/

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About the Contributor

Sophia Chora, Staff Reporter

My name is Sophia Chora. I am a senior at Elmwood Park High School, and I am a staff reporter for The Tiger. In school, I am the Vice President of Key Club and a member of National Honors Society, Yearbook Club, SAOPA, and Book and Film. I am also part of the Varsity Girls Volleyball Team. Some of my activities outside of school include playing club volleyball and volunteering around Elmwood Park. After high school, I plan to major in architecture. One of my goals is to gain a Master’s in architecture and work at an architectural firm.