State Superintendent of Education: School Breakfast Program (SBP)

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free breakfasts to children each school day. Federal reimbursement is available for all breakfast meals served to students. It began as a pilot project in 1966 to improve the nutrition and dietary practices of children in low-income areas. In 1975, the School Breakfast Program was made available to any school that wanted to participate. It now serves students from all socioeconomic levels.

Students qualifying for free and reduced-price lunches in the National School Lunch Program may also receive free and reduced-price breakfasts.

During School Year 2005-2006, 55 School Food Authorities served approximately 3.3 million breakfast meals to children in the District of Columbia.

What are the benefits of participating in the program?

There are many reasons to start a School Breakfast Program, such as the development of good, healthful eating habits for school children. Family and community life has changed, and many children do not have the opportunity to eat breakfast on a regular basis. If children do eat at home, they are often left to provide for themselves and breakfasts are often of poor nutritional value or skipped entirely. Children arriving to class without having breakfast are hungry, and hungry children cannot learn. They will continue to be hungry until lunchtime, or they may eat less nutritious food to stave off hunger pangs. 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. In addition, those schools that have a National School Lunch Program make more efficient use of their food service department by also operating a School Breakfast Program.

Which schools and institutions can participate?

Institutions that are eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program may also participate in the School Breakfast Program. Such institutions include: public and private nonprofit schools, and public and private nonprofit licensed residential child care institutions (e.g., group homes, juvenile halls, and orphanages).

What is involved in operating a School Breakfast Program?

The School Breakfast Program operates in the same manner as the National School Lunch Program. Generally the breakfast program must be open to all enrolled children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Free or reduced-price meals must be provided to children who qualify for such benefits according to specified family size and income standards. Such students must not be identified nor discriminated against in any manner. Breakfasts must be served that meet the nutritional standards established by USDA. Records must be kept to document that the breakfast program follows all federal and state rules and regulations and operate the food service on a nonprofit basis. Some of the records that must be kept are:

What are the nutritional requirements for school breakfasts?

Meals are planned to include foods from the Food Guide Pyramid such as, fluid milk (e.g., whole, low fat & skim), meat/meat alternative (e.g., egg, cheese, peanut butter or other nut butters), fruits and/or vegetables and whole grain bread/ bread alternative (e.g., rolls, muffins).

In 1995, USDA implemented the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children (SMI) which established standards for school breakfasts to provide one-fourth of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories.

Though school lunches must meet federal meal pattern or nutrient requirements*, local school food authorities can decide on what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared. Creativity is the key to ensure that breakfasts are appealing and wholesome.

Who is eligible for free and reduced-price breakfasts?

Students qualifying for free and reduced-price lunches in the National School Lunch Program may also receive free and reduced-price breakfasts. Children from families meeting specified income criteria receive breakfasts either free or at a reduced-price. Eligibility determinations are made by an official at each school and are based on family size and income information provided on an application submitted by a parent or guardian. Income eligibility guidelines* are derived from the federal poverty guidelines and are updated annually.

How much do schools get reimbursed?

The School Breakfast Program is operated on a reimbursement basis, with schools paid on the number of meals served. The current (July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007) basic cash reimbursement rates are:

How can we get assistance?

Nutrition Services program specialists are available to provide schools with free technical assistance on how to operate a School Breakfast Program. Training is available on such topics as menu planning, proper food storage and preparation, record keeping and reporting, and clarifying federal and local regulations.

Whom do we contact?

For information on the School Breakfast Program, contact the District of Columbia, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Nutrition Services Department, 441 4th Street NW, Suite 350N, Washington, DC, 20001; (202) 727-6436.