by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
Breakfast has long been hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. When it comes to K-12 students, ensuring they start their day with a nutritious meal is crucial for their overall well-being and academic success. That’s where Breakfast After the Bell programs come in, reimagining how schools approach morning nutrition.
Benefits of Breakfast After the Bell (BATB)
Improved Academic Performance
Students who eat breakfast show enhanced cognitive function, attention, and memory. This translates into better engagement in the classroom and improved test scores. By offering breakfast after the school day has officially started, all students have the opportunity to fuel their minds for learning.
Better Behavior and Attendance
Schools implementing BATB programs report fewer behavior issues and disciplinary referrals. Additionally, there’s a noticeable decrease in tardiness and absences. When students are well-fed and present, they’re more likely to be focused and ready to learn.
Reducing Stigma
Traditional before-school breakfast programs often carry a stigma that can deter participation. BATB eliminates this barrier by making breakfast a normal part of the school day for everyone. When all students have equal access to breakfast, it creates a more inclusive environment.
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
Many students face transportation issues or busy morning schedules that prevent them from arriving early enough for traditional breakfast programs. BATB ensures that regardless of when students arrive, they can start their day with a nutritious meal.
Improved Nutrition
Students participating in school breakfast programs show improved overall diet quality. This is particularly important for children from food-insecure households, as it helps combat childhood health issues.
Long-term Health Outcomes
Regular breakfast consumption is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. By establishing healthy eating habits early, we’re setting students up for better health throughout their lives.
Economic and Social Benefits
Investing in BATB programs isn’t just good for students; it’s beneficial for the entire community. Students who regularly eat breakfast tend to perform better academically, leading to increased job-readiness and self-sufficiency after high school. This translates to long-term economic benefits for society as a whole.
How Does Breakfast After the Bell (BATB) Work?
There are several successful models for implementing Breakfast After the Bell:
- Breakfast in the Classroom: Meals are delivered directly to classrooms. This model is often ideal for younger students.
- Grab and Go: Students pick up breakfast from carts or kiosks on their way to class, perfect for older, or more independent students.
- Second Chance Breakfast: Offered later in the morning, usually after first period, catering to students who may not be hungry right when they arrive.
- Hybrid Model: Choose elements of the different models to fit your school’s specific needs. A common hybrid model has students pick up breakfast in the cafeteria and take the meal to the classroom.
Check out our 2022 School Breakfast Report for success stories from schools across the state.
What Can I Do to Support Breakfast After Bell?
Start a Conversation
There are many people who contribute to making a BATB program successful. Engage key team members in the planning process. Consider creating a committee that includes school leaders, teachers, child nutrition staff, custodial staff, parents, and students to ensure all voices are heard. The group can discuss the challenges and logistics related to school breakfast and identify a BATB service model that will work well for all involved.
Support Policies Requiring Breakfast After the Bell
Talk to your school board members about passing a policy to require all schools in the district to offer Breakfast After the Bell. By passing a district-wide policy, school districts can ensure that all students can benefit from Breakfast After the Bell, rather than just those students whose schools decide to participate in the program.
Both states and school districts across the country have chosen to require, through policy, schools provide Breakfast After the Bell. On the state level at least Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, and West Virgina have adopted state-level Breakfast After the Bell policies. Additionally, at least Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, DC have adopted school board level Breakfast After the Bell policies.
In Houston, an evaluation of the Breakfast After the Bell program found statistically significant increases in attendance and passing rates for math tests and a decrease in disciplinary actions after the first year of implementation.
Right now, the Tulsa Public Schools School Board is considering a policy to require all schools in the district to offer Breakfast After the Bell. To show your support, please sign our petition!