Boosting Breakfast Participation: A Back-to-School Guide

As the 24-25 school year kicks off, now more than ever is the perfect time to promote the importance of a healthy school breakfast for every student! Research consistently shows that a healthy morning meal is crucial for academic success, overall health, and well-being, so we’ve compiled a list of the top benefits of eating breakfast at school.

We hope your SFA will join us in promoting breakfast participation at school this fall across the country!

The Benefits of Eating Breakfast at School

Understanding the benefits of eating breakfast at school can help school leaders, teachers, and parents appreciate the critical role it plays in a child’s daily routine. A healthy breakfast sets the tone for a successful day of learning and growth. Here are some key advantages:

1. Enhanced Academic Performance

   1. Students who eat breakfast are better able to focus and retain information.

   2. Studies have shown that students who eat breakfast tend to score higher on standardized tests.

   3. Regular breakfast consumption is linked to higher grades and academic achievement.
      

2. Better Health and Nutrition

   1. School breakfasts often provide balanced meals that include essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

   2. Eating a nutritious breakfast can help prevent childhood obesity.  

3. Improved Behavior and Attendance

   1. Students who eat breakfast are less likely to miss school due to illness.

   2. A nutritious breakfast can lead to better behavior and a more positive attitude in school.
      

Strategies to Increase Breakfast Participation

Boosting breakfast participation requires creative and inclusive strategies. Schools can implement various programs and initiatives to ensure more students take advantage of the nutritious meals available to them. Here are some effective strategies we’ve seen schools implement:

1. Implementing Grab-and-Go Breakfasts

   1. Offer breakfast items that students can easily grab and eat on their way to class.

   2. Include a variety of healthy options such as fruit, yogurt, whole grain muffins, and breakfast bars that make it easy to eat while walking to class.
      

2. Promoting Breakfast in the Classroom

   1. Allow students to eat breakfast during the first few minutes of class. This can increase participation among students who arrive late while also encouraging every student to eat breakfast in the classroom.
      

3. Creating a Welcoming Breakfast Environment

   1. Make the cafeteria or designated breakfast area welcoming with bright colors, music, and friendly staff.

   2. Engage staff and parent ambassadors to promote breakfast and encourage students to participate every morning.
      

4. Engaging Parents and the Community

   1. Send newsletters and emails to parents highlighting the benefits of breakfast and the options available at school.

   2. Provide samples of breakfast items to parents and students, encouraging them to taste the school breakfast and participate more in the program.

Increasing breakfast participation at school has a profound impact on students' academic success and overall health. By implementing these proven strategies and utilizing available resources, schools can ensure that more students start their day with the nutrition they need to thrive.

For more tips and ideas on the school meal program, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.

Additional Resources and Links

• Food Research & Action Center

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service

• No Kid Hungry