There has always been discussion about when lunchtimes should be. Schools have traditionally scheduled lunch periods for mid-morning, usually between 10:27 a.m. and 12:23 p.m. However, there are many advantages to moving lunch to periods five and six, from 11:28 a.m. to 1:17 p.m. Improvements in academic achievement, health outcomes and overall student experience are just a few benefits of this change.

One main reason to shift lunch periods to the later part of the day is the effect on cognitive performance. Research by “Found My Fitness” has shown that our cognitive abilities tend to peak later in the morning and in the early afternoon. By scheduling lunch during this time, students can maximize their concentration and learning potential during morning classes, leading to better academic outcomes.

Lunch breaks should be taken between 12:13 p.m and 1:47 p.m. to better match the body’s circadian rhythms. This includes the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. During those periods, our bodies tend to process food more efficiently, making it the perfect time for a healthy lunch. A later lunch can also help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing the temptation for unhealthy snacks between classes or after school. 

Lunch from 10:27 a.m. to 12:23 p.m. is often busy and chaotic. Students often do not have enough time to complete their classwork by the time they have their early lunch so they spend their lunch finishing it while trying to eat. By moving lunch to an hour later, kids can have a more leisurely lunch break, by having more time to complete their work, which lowers stress and improves the environment.

A lunch period from 12:13 p.m. to 1:47 p.m. encourages more significant social interaction among students. They can enjoy a carefree meal with friends, encourage social bonds, and promote emotional well-being. Plus, students can use this time for work in extracurricular activities, club meetings, or simply unwinding, which contributes positively to their overall school experience.

Late morning classes can often be disrupted by students arriving late or being absent due to different reasons. Scheduling lunch later in the day increases the likelihood that students will be on time for their morning classes because when your body is able to maintain that energy from your food you still have in your body, things like walking faster, focusing better, and being more awake, will more likely allow you to be on time reducing disruption and improving classroom dynamics. 

In other words, moving lunch from 11:13 a.m.-1:08 p.m. to 12:13 p.m.-1:47 p.m. offers many benefits that can significantly improve most students’ average school day. This adjustment can benefit both academic and personal growth, from greater cognitive performance to better health results, less pressure, increased social engagement, and enhanced dependability. While making these changes to our lunch period system would take time, the long-term advantages for students make the effort worthwhile. It’s time to think about the benefits of eating lunch during periods five and six.