STRATEGIES TO EXPAND BREAKFAST PARTICIPATION
Schools that make breakfast a part of the school day dramatically increase participation by making it convenient and accessible to all children.
There are several alternative service models that have been proven to increase participation in the School Breakfast Program. Each can be adapted to fit the unique needs of a school.
Breakfast in the Classroom
Offering breakfast in the classroom, where students eat breakfast in the first 10 to 15 minutes of the school day, dramatically increases participation in the program. Breakfast meals can be delivered to each classroom or picked up on the way to class. Students eat breakfast at their desks, and many schools incorporate breakfast into instructional time by serving breakfast during morning announcements, reading time or nutrition lessons.
- Fact Sheet: Breakfast in the Classroom [pdf]
- Video: Breakfast in the Classroom (San Diego Unified School District)
- Carson City School District started Breakfast in the Classroom at Empire Elementary in October 2011. The average daily breakfast served was around 120 servings; today Empire’s daily breakfast served is 440.
"Start the training process early for teachers and staff to get them ready for the change. Allow them to eat breakfast for free along with the students which helps to model good nutrition choices and achieves buy-in for the program"
Chris Cooper, Nutrition Coordinator, Carson City School District
Grab and Go Breakfast
Serving pre-packaged breakfast from mobile carts in the hallway, the cafeteria, or other high-traffic locations throughout the school provides flexibility for schools while increasing participation among students. This convenient service method is popular with middle and high school students who find that they can consume breakfast while continuing to socialize with their peers.
Second Chance Breakfast
Often students are in a rush to get to class in the morning or simply aren't hungry before school starts. At schools that offer breakfast after the bell, or a "second chance" breakfast, students can pick up a pre-packaged breakfast from the cafeteria or a mobile cart after first period. This method allows schools to reach as many hungry students as possible.