How to fix the problem of a small lunchroom or long lunch lines?

Question

We're supposed to write a letter arguing about a problem at school. I decided I'd tackle the lunch room issue at my school, though I'm sure this problem is repeated through out the country. In a nutshell the lunchroom is crowded and the lines are so long that the last person to get lunch has 5 minutes or less to eat. Which is a little ridiculous. I can see 10-15 minutes, but 5? They say they (the school) will to make more room next year, but what about this year? Any suggestions???

I like our Top Contributor's answer so far. The idea of the ticket will greatly speed things up. Can't tell you how many times the lunch line is slowed down because of people forgetting their money or not having the right amount.

Answer 1

Yes. Standardize lunches so everyone gets the same thing. Employ more people -- students -- to hand out the lunches.
Have money collected ONCE for the entire semester; for the rest of the semester, kids fork over a ticket.

Answer 2

Phasing lunch times, so that not everyone is headed to lunch at the same time. Also, allowing people to eat outdoors or in a classroom, perhaps as a reward for high marks or good behavior.

Answer 3

i have the same problem at my school. you need to write that letter and make them do something now. it bs they give you a whole 45 minutes and you spend half of an hour of it in the lunch line. so, yeah you really should write that letter.

Answer 4

add a few more microwaves and remove some of the chairs in the lunchroom. Then people will warm up their food quickly and go somewhere else to eat.

Answer 5

Staggered lunch times.

Answer 6

I've had this same problem. I just run to the cafeteria...it's actually a little sad, but I wanna have more than 5 min to eat and talk with friends.

Answer 7

i have the same problem at school and I really hate to wait in line too much. sometimes I ask my friends if I can cut in line with them.

i hope my suggestion helps you

best luck