The National Association of State Boards of Education recommends that students should be provided adequate time to eat lunch, at least 10 minutes for breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch, from the time the student is seated.

Lunch periods are scheduled as near the middle of the school day as possible.  Recess for elementary grades is scheduled before lunch, whenever possible.

Cafeterias include enough serving areas so that students do not have to spend too much time waiting in line.

Dining areas are attractive and have enough space for seating all students.

Drinking water is available for students at meals.

Food is not used as a reward or a punishment for student behaviors, unless it is detailed in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).