Albany Parents Demand Longer Lunch Breaks for GAPS Students

Parents of students at Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) are expressing significant concerns regarding the duration of lunch breaks within the district. Ashley Caldwell, a mother of two GAPS students, initiated an online petition earlier this week, urging the school district to extend the current lunch periods, which she describes as “15 short minutes.” By September 18, 2023, the petition had garnered over 500 signatures.

Caldwell highlighted her concerns based on her sixth grader’s experience at Calapooia Middle School. Although her child has no complaints about the cafeteria food, Caldwell noted that he comes home hungry. “I just want to see students have a reasonable amount of time to eat,” she stated, emphasizing the need for adequate lunch breaks.

Current Lunch Periods in Albany Schools

According to GAPS spokesperson Becca Mallery, students in elementary schools enjoy a 40-minute lunch period. This time is typically divided into 20 minutes for eating and another 20 minutes for recess. Mallery explained that while the arrangement is structured, there is flexibility, and students often leave the cafeteria early to play.

Middle school students also receive a 40-minute window for lunch, which includes two five-minute passing periods. After 15 minutes of eating, they can go outside for recess. High school students have a similar arrangement, receiving 40 minutes total with passing periods. Mallery noted that these schedules have been in place for years, although she could not specify their exact implementation date.

The issue of lunch duration has gained traction recently, with parents voicing their concerns at a recent school board meeting. One parent advocated for longer lunch periods to alleviate student stress. In contrast, the nearby Corvallis School District allocates 30-minute lunches for middle school students, while elementary students typically receive 20 minutes.

Oregon does not have a state mandate dictating the minimum amount of time students should have for lunch. According to Peter Rudy, spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Education, the federal National School Lunch Program encourages schools to allow enough time for students to be served and to eat.

Parental Concerns and School Responses

Chanel Protzman, a parent with four children enrolled in GAPS, expressed her discontent during the school board meeting. “I don’t feel 15 minutes is enough time for our children to arrive in the lunch room, wait in line, find a seat, and eat their food,” she said. Protzman believes the insufficient time is contributing to stress among students, who often return home feeling hungry. She praised the school’s policy allowing children to forfeit recess to finish eating but argued that students should not have to choose between eating and playing.

Caldwell echoed similar sentiments, insisting that students should not have to sacrifice their playtime for nourishment. “It’s crucial for their well-being,” she added.

These concerns come as GAPS implements new breakfast and lunch menus following a change in food vendors. The district approved a one-year emergency contract with Genuine Foods, aiming to enhance the quality of meals through increased scratch cooking. However, this transition has placed additional demands on the already limited food service staff. Autumn Mulles, a lunch staff member at West Albany High School, reported that her kitchen is now tasked with preparing meals for multiple schools. “We love serving our kids, but we are struggling due to a lack of staff,” she stated.

In response to Mulles’ comments, Mallery acknowledged the challenges associated with the transition and noted that food service staff members supported the change. GAPS Business and Finance Director Jane Nofziger informed the board that the district’s classified union, representing food service workers, had initiated impact bargaining due to the new food vendor. These discussions have led to updates in salary schedules, position changes, and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for food service staff, amounting to an estimated $75,000 in additional expenses.

Nofziger provided context by revealing that the total salary and payroll costs for food service workers last year reached approximately $2.9 million. “We hope the enhanced food quality will attract more students, which in turn will help offset the expenses,” she concluded.

As discussions continue regarding lunch duration and the quality of meals, parents remain vocal about their desire for a more supportive environment that prioritizes children’s health and well-being within Albany schools.