Time to Eat in Colorado Schools

Do students have enough time to eat lunch in Colorado public schools? Representative Jenny Willford (D-Adams County) introduced a bill during the 2024 state legislative session that considers this important question, along with time to play.

House Bill 2024-1301: Noncurricular Time Programs aimed to create a task force focused on looking at best practices for time to eat in school settings, in addition to supporting recess for younger students. The appointed group would review policies from other states that have increased time for lunch periods, analyze the benefits and barriers faced by Colorado school districts that have already increased their lunchtime, and make recommendations for how our state may consider these challenges and opportunities in future policy efforts. This legislation does not mandate anything for Colorado public schools.

Thanks to everyone who supported and advocated for this legislation! We look forward to more collective action around ensuring students have enough time to eat.

BILL UPDATE & FUTURE PLANS

Unfortunately, HB24-1301 did not advance, along with 74 other bills, during the 2024 state legislative session, which concluded on May 8. There are several reasons for this, including the late scheduling of its first committee hearing, costs attached to the bill, and some feedback from key stakeholders during the legislative process.

What does this mean for future efforts? While the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger and Nourish Colorado are disappointed in the outcome, both organizations will continue to advocate for time-to-eat policies across the state.

Together, we plan to create our own opportunities to evaluate best practices and policies, which will kick off later this summer with ample options for network input. Regardless if this results in future state legislation or another form of policy, both organizations remain committed to taking the learnings from the 2024 session forward and making this a reality in the future.

If you’re interested in staying engaged, please click this link:

WHY DO SCHOOL MEALS MATTER?

  • School meals help ensure students, particularly those who may not have enough nutritious food at home, receive adequate nourishment during the school day.

    • The recent implementation of Healthy School Meals for All in Colorado public schools has significantly increased student access to school breakfast and lunch. And more schools are offering fresh, whole foods.

  • Access to nutritious foods nourishes students’ minds and bodies for healthy, active living, along with academic success.

    • Research shows the positive impacts on student learning, development, and overall well-being.

WHY IS TIME TO EAT IMPORTANT?

  • Students need enough time to stand in line for school lunch and eat a nutritious meal before resuming their day of learning. 

    • Lunch lines are becoming longer in Colorado public schools with more students taking advantage of the Healthy Schools Meals for All program.

    • If students don’t have enough time for school lunch, they may be hungry for the remainder of the school day, which can impact their ability to concentrate and learn in the classroom. 

  • Having enough time to get and eat healthy school meals ensures students are fueled for the school day and ready to learn – with less food ending up in the trash.

    • This time also allows students to cultivate important social skills and build community with their peers as they all develop and grow.

HOW CAN COLORADO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?

  • The State of Colorado can create a task force made up of various stakeholders who are involved with and impacted by the amount of time afforded to students to eat their school lunch and play in school settings. 

    • This appointed group could study best practices, challenges, and opportunities and evaluate Colorado school districts’ current time-to-eat practices.

  • House Bill 2024-1301 would create a task force focused on looking at best practices for time to eat in school settings across Colorado. 

    • They would review policies from other states that have increased time for lunch periods, analyze the benefits and barriers faced by Colorado school districts that have already increased their lunchtime, and make recommendations for how our state may consider these challenges and opportunities in future policy efforts. 

    • This legislation will not mandate anything for Colorado public schools.

  • Addressing this issue not only impacts Colorado students, parents, and educators but also school districts, teacher unions, nutrition professionals, and many others. 

    • Impacts include each school district’s budget, scheduling practices, and more.

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET INVOLVED?

  • Take action in support of the bill:

    • Use our action toolkit to easily share information and calls to action with others in your professional and personal networks. It includes sample copy, graphics, links, and more.

    • Share testimonials – the challenges of not having enough time to eat school lunch and the benefits of having ample time.

    • Contact your state legislators and ask them to support HB24-1301. (Easier ways to do this coming soon!)