Las Cruces parents say 20 minute lunch not enough time for kids

Some parents in the Las Cruces School District say 20 minute lunch periods are forcing their kids to learn on an empty stomach. They’ve started an online petition hoping to initiate change. The petition so far has nearly 900 signatures.

Parents say by the time their kids stand in line, get their food and find a spot to eat, the lunch period is already almost over.

Darleen Lopez, who started the petition, says kids are still hungry after lunch, only tasting their food before its time to go.

“That’s money that we’re throwing down into the trash and its ridiculous if we’re going to serve them then give them time to eat it so that our moneys not being wasted and our kids have enough energy and brain power to get through the day,” Lopez said.

Nancy Cathey with The Las Cruces Public School District says one of their goals for the school year is to transition schools to a 30 minute lunch period.

“Its a goal to work towards its not necessarily something that’s going to happen tomorrow but its something we want every school to be looking at and figuring out how they’re going to accomplish it within their school,” Cathey said.

Cathey says in a meeting next week with principals in the district, the issue will be brought up. She says they’ll be encouraging each school to figure out how to fit 30 minute lunch periods into their schedules.