School Breakfast Program continues to be under-used
CSBA, other organizations offer help to feed children and tap federal resources
Published: December 11, 2012
Research has shown that eating breakfast is an important factor in improving student learning and reducing tardiness and absenteeism. However, a recent study reports that only 30 percent of California’s low-income students participate in the federal School Breakfast Program—in part because of when and where the meals are served.
“Seventy percent of low-income students in California participate in the National School Lunch Program but only 30 percent participate in the federal School Breakfast Program,” according to “School Meal Analysis 2010-11,” the report from California Food Policy Advocates.
“This low participation rate translates to over $365 million in untapped federal meal reimbursement for the state,” according to the Oakland-based nonprofit’s online report, which includes downloadable district- and county-level data analyses and statewide highlights of school meal programs in California.
Resources can boost student nutrition and achievement—and school revenues
“The good news is that there is federal funding for schools and districts to provide breakfast to students,” said Betsy McNeil, a CSBA Policy and Programs officer focused on the conditions of children. “We must now work hard to support schools, staff, parents and students to improve access and increase participation so that all students can come to school and start the day ready to learn.”
CSBA and local school districts and county offices of education offer information and resources to schools in order to help them provide school breakfast services, McNeil pointed out. CSBA’s policy brief, “Expanding School Breakfast Programs to Improve Student Learning,” is a good place to start.
“There are a variety of ways that districts/COEs can provide students with access to school breakfasts, taking into consideration financial impacts, facilities issues and how students will obtain the food,” the policy brief reports. One common method is the “Classroom Breakfast model,” where breakfast is served in the first 10-15 minutes of class time at the start of the day. This can increase school breakfast participation to nearly 100 percent—yielding gains in both student achievements and school food revenues.
Changes to the federal School Breakfast Program will come in the 2013-14 school year as a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, including increased offerings of whole grains, appropriate calorie categories based on grade-levels, and gradual reductions in sodium content. For more information and resources, check out CSBA’s Student Wellness Web page, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services page, and California Food Policy Advocates’ BreakfastFirst Campaign.