By

Tammy Dooley,   Bonner Springs Elementary School

Play:

Breakfast For Everyone — First Meal Matters

Topics:

We offer free universal breakfast for all students, and we have done this for three years now. It is a "sack breakfast" that consists of an entree, fruit and milk, and is served in the classroom. Students can socialize and eat with their classmates and teacher to start their day. Any leftover items can be saved for a healthy snack later in the day. Prior to this program, not as many students had breakfast in the morning. About 80% of our students participate, and this program has decreased student tardiness and school nurse visits for stomach aches and snacks. We are also teaching students that eating breakfast is an important start to their day.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Any leftover items can be saved for a healthy snack later in the day. Prior to this program, not as many students had breakfast in the morning. About 80% of our students participate, and this program has decreased student tardiness and school nurse visits for stomach aches and snacks. We are also teaching students that eating breakfast is an important start to their day.