SCHOOL BREAKFAST FACT SHEET


Every public or non-profit private school is eligible to receive federal funds for breakfast– yet the funds are significantly underutilized. Fewer than one out of three children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals receive breakfast at school.

Why is breakfast so important?

Research shows that children who eat breakfast:
  • are less likely to be overweight
  • show improvement on math, reading and standardized test scores
  • establish healthier habits for later in life
  • have fewer absences and incidences of tardiness
  • are more likely to behave better in school
  • consume more calcium, fiber, folate and protein
Why doesn't every school offer breakfast?

According to the FRAC 2007-2008 School Breakfast Scorecard, 85.7% of schools that participate in the NSLP also participate in the National School Breakfast Program. Alabama ranks #1 with 100% of their schools offering both programs. And Wisconsin ranks 50th with only 61.8% of the schools offering both breakfast and lunch federal programs.

Some actual and perceived barriers can include:

Bus schedules Parent perception that the program isn't needed
Not enough time before school starts Cafeteria used for other purpose in the morning
Not enough time between breakfast and lunch Clubs or student organizations sell competitive
Lack of personnel to supervise students foods before school
Lack of administrative support of the program Students want to socialize not eat breakfast

How does the school breakfast program work?

School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the breakfast program receive cash subsidies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve breakfasts that meet Federal requirements, and they must offer free or reduced price breakfasts to eligible children.

What are the nutritional requirements for school breakfasts?

In order to meet USDA requirements, school breakfasts must contain no more than 30% of calories from fat, and less then 10% from saturated fat. In addition, breakfast must provide one-fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calories.

What is the "got breakfast? TM" campaign?

The "got breakfast?" campaign was launched in December 2005 to raise awareness of and develop solutions for childhood hunger. The focus of the nationwide campaign will be on increasing participation in the Federal School Breakfast program by educating students, parents, teachers, and administrators about the importance of breakfast and the options available for students to receive breakfast served in school.

Where do I get more information about the school breakfast program and the got breakfast? campaign?