As a student without a lunch period during the school day, it can be very challenging.
For many students, school lunch is a necessity. Many students need a break during the day to socialize with their friends and restore their energy.
“Everyone should have a lunch because it’s important to take a break during your day to refresh and relax,” said Leigha Woods, a freshman.
Doctors who specialize in children’s health think that eating lunch is an important part of a child’s school day.
On Mount Sinai Hospital Adolescent Health Center’s blog, adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Lonna Gordon emphasized the importance of eating lunch for teenagers. She shared that without lunch, “Your body will begin to slow or even shut down activities that aren’t necessary, as a way to save energy.” In other words, a healthy lunch gives students the energy they need to focus in class, succeed in sports and make it through the day.
“Taking mental breaks, physical activity breaks, and meal breaks helps our brains to soak up more information in classes and energize us for the day,” said Ms. Santoianni, a physical education teacher.
Junior Justin Benoit agreed.
“Everyone should have lunch because it’s good to eat throughout the day,” said Benoit.
For some students, a lunch period can help break up an otherwise long school day.
“[Not having a lunch period] makes the day go by so much slower and I feel like I have no breaks throughout the day,” said sophomore Meghan Escobar.
For students without a lunch period, it’s still important for them to eat during the day. I bring some snacks to help keep me energized.
Some teachers don’t allow eating in their classroom, which can make snacking more difficult.
“It really makes you appreciate the teachers that let you eat in their class,” said Kaia Glander, a sophomore.
On the other hand, not having a school lunch can be difficult.
Students without a lunch period might be out of free periods entirely, making it tough to go to guidance, make up work, or pick things up during the school day. For instance, it can be a struggle for me to find time to make up a quiz because I don’t have a free period.
Many people have mixed opinions on students not having a lunch break. Students need energy, but sometimes not having a lunch is the better option for them.
“I like not having a lunch because it makes the school day feel like it goes by a lot faster due to not breaking up the day,” said Glander.
Some students enjoy not having a lunch break. It helps them fit in more classes, earn more credits, and some feel they don’t need that break during the day.
I have a lot of classes that I’m interested in and want to fit them into my schedule. Some students like being busy and want as many credits as possible before they graduate. Not having a lunch can help some be more productive and finish their work easier.
“I believe not having a lunch has benefited me because it forces me to be productive the night before since I have no time during the day to cram in last minute assignments,” said Glander.
