Good news about Breakfast in the Classroom programs was just announced in a report conducted by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and The National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation (NAESPF). Among the positive findings – more than three in four principals (78%) would encourage their peers to consider this program, and principals noted a significant increase in breakfast participation (85%) when offering Breakfast in the Classroom.
For the report, Start the School Day Ready to Learn with Breakfast in the Classroom: Principals Share What Works, FRAC and NAESPF surveyed 276 school principals from 15 school districts whose schools operate Breakfast in the Classroom programs. The survey assessed their experience with their schools’ Breakfast in the Classroom programs, including challenges they encountered and factors that contribute to successful programs.
Other findings include:
-61% fewer reports of student hunger
-40% fewer tardy students
-37% improved student attentiveness
-34% improved school and 35% improved classroom environment
Nearly half (47%) of the principals surveyed cited no challenges with starting up a Breakfast in the Classroom program. Those who did report challenges – clean-up, limited janitorial staffing, or concerns from teachers – often found that these issues were easily addressed by providing additional cleaning supplies and by working closely with teachers during implementation.
“Getting more children to eat breakfast at school means less hunger and more children ready to learn,” said Crystal Fitzsimons, FRAC Director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs. “Breakfast in the classroom is a key strategy to improving participation in this important program, and it is exciting to see how more and more principals are making it a priority in their schools.”
The report notes that it is never too late in the school year to make the transition to Breakfast in the Classroom. Principals can start taking important steps and reach out to other school leaders to start building a path toward implementing Breakfast in the Classroom in their schools. So I encourage you to spread the word and share the report!