What is the School Breakfast Program? The School Breakfast Program originated as a pilot project under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to target low-income areas and locations where children had to travel a great distance to school. It was later expanded to schools where there was a special need to improve the nutrition and dietary practices of low-income children. In 1975, the School Breakfast Program was made available to any school that wanted to participate. It now serves students from all socioeconomic levels; federal reimbursement is available for all breakfast meals served to students. Students qualifying for free and reduced-price breakfasts in the National School Lunch Program may also receive free and reduced-price breakfasts.

Why Serve Breakfast at School?The development of good, healthful eating habits, the foundation for a positive lifestyle, is an important lesson for school children. Family and community life has changed and families with school aged children frequently do not have the time or resources for providing Breakfast meals at home. Some students do not have time or make time to eat breakfast before catching the school bus; often, bus schedules result in early pickup times and long rides to school. If children eat at home, they are often left to provide for themselves because parents are too busy; breakfasts are often poor or skipped entirely. Children often prefer the social setting of eating breakfast at school with their friends.

Children arriving at class without having breakfast are not ready to learn. Studies show that breakfast increases student attention, improves behavior, reduces trips to the nurse's office and improves test scores.Parents, teachers and administrators appreciate the positive effects on their students. Breakfast is a vital element of a productive and successful educational day.

Who Can Participate?Any Public School District, Charter School, Residential Child Care Institution, Tax Exempt Non-Public School may apply to sponsor the NSB Program.

Meal Pattern Requirements:
To qualify for federal reimbursement, meals must meet federal meal pattern requirements specified by the Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture.

For More Information: Call or write to the Delaware Department of Education, School and Community Nutrition Programs, 401 Federal Street, Suite 2, Dover, DE 19901; 302-735-4060.