We have done Lunch in the Library for YEARS with success.  Students would sign up to come to the library  instead of going to the cafeteria where they would hear a guest speaker on topics such as how to be a beekeeper, what it is like to do the Ironman, how to juggle and why it’s important to invest money at a young age.  We had 4 27 minute lunches and the first 10 to sign up would have lunch provided.  All others were welcome but would need to brown bag it.   We would feed them pizza and soft drinks while they listened.    Last school year we went to one lunch where students could leave the cafeteria with their food and eat in several designated areas (not the library although we were open).  We adjust Lunch in the Library to accommodate 40 students at once instead of 10 per lunch but noticed that, while students still seem to enjoy the event, our number have not been as good.  Here is our assessment of why:

• because students are no longer “trapped” in the cafeteria, coming to lunch in the library is no longer an “escape”
• because there is one lunch, students are able to eat with their friends instead of the old school “none of my friends have the same lunch as I have” problem
• pizza is no longer a draw because the cafeteria serves the same vendor pizza at least once per week.

Former Rocket Aaron Reed taking about life as a Navy Seal

Former Rocket Donovan Johnson talking about playing professional basketball overseas.

Next year we plan to have our culinary class cater Lunch in the Library.  I’m not sure of a menu, but hopefully we can come up with something tasty and inexpensive enough to work for students and for our budget.  I’m not sure how to combat the other perceived issues with having one lunch.  Hopefully great food will be enough to lure them back.