National Make Lunch Count Day 🥪

Overview

National Make Lunch Count Day, observed annually on April 13th, encourages individuals to optimize their midday meal break for both physical and mental well-being. It promotes taking a deliberate pause from work to enjoy a healthy meal, engage in light physical activity, or simply recharge, rather than eating at one's desk.

Origin and story

Restaurant chain TGI Fridays created this day in 2016 after a commissioned study found most American workers suffer from "FOLO," or Fear Of Lunching Out, regularly eating at their desks instead of taking a proper break.

The day advocates for stepping away from your desk to eat, which can improve digestion, reduce stress, and boost overall productivity.

Quick facts

• DateApril 13
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

This day exists because of a restaurant chain's own market research into a very specific modern anxiety.

Meet the study behind the holiday

TGI Fridays launched National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 after commissioning a study that found most American workers suffer from "FOLO" — Fear Of Lunching Out — with 73% eating lunch at their desks at least twice a week and a third doing so every single day.

Know what the campaign actually pushed

In response to its own findings, TGI Fridays rolled out a faster lunch menu and mobile pay options specifically designed to make stepping away from the desk more realistic for time-strapped workers.

Read the original announcement

Helpful resources:

• Long Live Lunch: TGI Fridays Challenges America to Combat #FOLO (PR Newswire)

Did you know?

The study identified Baltimore, Orlando, and Columbus as the U.S. cities with the worst "FOLO" rates — meaning geography, not just workload, shaped who was most likely to eat lunch chained to a desk.

Fun facts

• Restaurant chain TGI Fridays created this day in 2016 after a commissioned study found most American workers suffer from 'FOLO,' or Fear Of Lunching Out.
• The day advocates for stepping away from your desk to eat, which can improve digestion, reduce stress, and boost overall productivity.
• Common suggestions for making lunch 'count' include packing a nutritious meal, taking a short walk, or using the time to connect with colleagues.

Sources and attribution

Long Live Lunch: TGI Fridays Challenges America to Combat #FOLO (PR Newswire)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Make Lunch Count Day?

It is observed on April 13 each year.

What is National Make Lunch Count Day?

National Make Lunch Count Day, observed annually on April 13th, encourages individuals to optimize their midday meal break for both physical and mental well-being. It promotes taking a deliberate pause from work to enjoy a healthy meal, engage in light physical activity, or simply recharge, rather than eating at one's desk.

How do people celebrate National Make Lunch Count Day?

Step away from your desk for lunch — TGI Fridays created the day in 2016 after a study found most American workers suffer from 'FOLO,' Fear Of Lunching Out, eating at their desks instead of taking a real break.

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