Pelican Rapids students required to eat at school

Pelican Rapids, Minn. (WDAY TV) - Starting this fall, all students at Pelican Rapids high school will be required to stay on campus for their lunch hour.

It means some popular eating spots nearby could see a hit in their lunchtime sales.

Cathy Vague says lunch hour is a busy time at Park Region Co-op.

The convenience store is within walking distance from Pelican Rapids High School and with a McDonald's in the same building, it's been a hot spot for students on break.

Cathy Vague, CFO & Office Manager: “They come down here and they'll grab a quick sandwich, or they'll get sodas or candy bars for the afternoon.”

This and other nearby quick-grab-lunch spots could see fewer sales during the noon hour from now on.

Tenth-through-twelfth graders at the high school have always had an open campus for lunch but starting this fall, all students will have to spend lunchtime on-campus.

Vague: “It's definitely going to affect us. It is going to slow things down immensely because they won't be coming to get that afternoon snack.”

Chuck Evenson at Southtown, down the road, says the effect on his sales will be minimal.

Chuck Evenson, Owner/Manager of Southtown: “It will have an impact. But, I guess, one of the nicest things about having the kids come around is you get to know them.”

The decision to keep students on campus for lunch hour was mainly made for safety reasons. School administrators say it's easier to keep kids safe throughout the school day if they're on school grounds.

They also say it will keep the focus on education.

As a business manager and parent of students at the high school, Cathy says she disagrees with the decision.

Vague: “I think it's good for kids to get out, and obviously, we like the sales.”

The School Board passed the new policy in July.

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