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Recess Before Lunch Policy: Kids Play and then Eat!

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Document Location: http:// www.opi.mt.gov /schoolfood/recessBL.html
Last Modified: 4/22/09
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The Montana Team Nutrition Program and School Nutrition Program staff can assist schools in the implementation of a Recess Before Lunch (RBL) policy. We hope the information found in the guide in helpful to you.

Why do it?

Reports from Montana schools indicated it helps:

  • Improve student behavior on the playground, in the cafeteria and classroom.
  • students waste less food and drink more milk. This leads to increased nutrient intake.
  • Improve the cafeteria atmosphere.
  • Children are more settled and ready to learn upon returning to the classroom.
student with tray

Please note: the following sections comprise the entire guidebook. Print off just the sections that you need, or print all sections for the entire guidebook.

Challenges, Benefits and Essential Factors for Success in Implementing a Recess Before Lunch Schedule in Montana Elementary Schools: pdf file 2008 Principal's Survey Summary

Recess Before Lunch Podcast from Peaceful Playgrounds
http://blog.peacefulplaygrounds.com/2008/04/recess-before-lunch-schedule.htmlExternal link icon

Acknowledgements: Special thanks to the Montana pilot school staff and students for their cooperation and willingness to share their experiences and advice on the implementation of a Recess Before Lunch policy. Pilot schools were Highland Park School in Lewistown, Meadowlark School in Conrad, Valier Elementary in Valier and Central Middle School in Whitefish.

For More information Contact:

Montana Team Nutrition Program
Montana State University
PO Box 173360
Bozeman, MT 59717
406.994.5541
Molly Stenberg, RD
stenberg@montana.edu
Katie Bark, RD
kbark@mt.gov

or

School Nutrition Programs
Office of Public Instruction
PO Box 202501
Helena, MT 59620
406.444.2501
Chris Emerson, MS, RD
cemerson@mt.gov

RBl poster