We start our day at 8:15 and my class has a snack time at 10:25. We have a major ant and cockroach problem so I try to have them eat outside. This year our principal decided they could no longer eat in a designated area at recess time. So we go right outside our door onto a grassy area when we can.

I do let them eat during class on a case by case basis. The trouble with 5th graders is they can be real pigs and messy, even with something that shouldn't be, or they will try to eat their whole lunch at snack time. Every now and then though I'll have one who didn't get to eat breakfast or whatever. Those I let eat for exactly the reason you said. Hydration wise, my kids can get drinks whenever I'm not actively teaching. I also encourage them to have a water bottle at their desk.

V.