Sophia Mitchell
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools, and childcare facilities in the United States. The program aims to ensure that students have the nutrition they need to learn and thrive, with research showing that participants have higher test scores, improved attendance, and better academic performance. Schools that choose to participate in the program receive cash reimbursements from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and must offer meals that meet federal nutrition guidelines. While the program has been shown to have benefits, there have been differing political approaches to its implementation, with some administrations prioritizing healthier meals and others easing requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | School Breakfast Program (SBP) |
| Administered by | Food and Nutrition Service |
| Funded by | Federal government |
| Year started | 1966 |
| Number of children fed in 2010 | 16 million |
| Number of children fed in 2018 | 14.8 million |
| Number of children fed in 2023-24 | 15.4 million |
| Cost in 2003 | $1.68 billion |
| Cost in 2002 | $1.54 billion |
| Cost in 2001 | $1.05 billion |
| Cost in 1995 | $596.2 million |
| Eligibility | All children in participating schools and residential institutions |
| Free meals eligibility | Families with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty level |
| Reduced price meals eligibility | Families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level |
| Maximum reduced price breakfast cost | 30 cents |
| Nutrition guidelines | Limit sodium and saturated fats, eliminate trans fats |
| Positive effects | Improved test scores, lower absenteeism, improved attendance, improved behavior, improved academic performance, decreased tardiness |
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What You'll Learn
The School Breakfast Program's (SBP) history and funding
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools and childcare facilities in the United States. The program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the federal level, and by state education agencies at the state level. Local school food authorities make decisions about what food to serve and how it is prepared.
The SBP began as a 2-year pilot project in 1966, designed to provide grants to assist schools in serving "nutritionally needy" students. In 1971, Congress modified the program, making it available to schools that needed to improve the nutrition and dietary practices of children from low-income families and with working parents. The way funding was reimbursed changed in 1973, from categorical grant reimbursement to per-meal reimbursement. The SBP was permanently authorized in 1975 for all schools that needed to provide better nutrition for their students and to receive higher reimbursement for meals.
Federal funding is provided in the form of cash reimbursements for each breakfast served, with the amount varying based on the family income of the participating child. Schools that qualify for "severe need" reimbursements may receive up to 23 cents higher than normal reimbursements for free and reduced-price breakfasts. Schools set their own prices for breakfasts served to students who pay the full meal price, though they must operate their meal services as nonprofit programs.
As of 2010, the SBP was the second-largest targeted food aid program administered by the FNS, feeding 16 million children. By FY 2018, the program had expanded to provide more than 2.4 billion school breakfasts, allowing approximately 14.7 million students to receive free or reduced-price breakfasts.
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How the SBP works
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools, as well as childcare facilities in the United States. The program is administered at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and within each state, it is typically overseen by the department of education or agriculture.
The SBP provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. Schools receive federal funds for each breakfast served, and in return, they must offer free meals to children from families with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty line. Reduced-price meals must be offered to those with family incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty line, while families above the 185% threshold pay full price for their meals, as set by the school. Despite this, schools still receive some reimbursement for these meals.
The USDA formulates its meal patterns and nutrition guidelines according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as directed by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Some of the changes implemented since 2013 include increasing whole grains, adjusting calorie counts according to grade level, and reducing sodium content. These changes are based on recommendations from various health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Heart Organization.
The SBP has been shown to have positive effects on students' academic performance and psychosocial behavior. Research has found that participants in the SBP have higher standardized test scores, improved academic grades, and decreased levels of absenteeism and lateness. Additionally, students who eat a nutritious breakfast report feeling more alert and positive throughout the school day.
To increase participation in the SBP, states have passed legislation such as Breakfast in the Classroom, and community eligibility allows high-poverty schools to offer meals at no charge to all students.
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Benefits of the SBP
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools and childcare facilities in the United States. The program has been expanded to provide over 2.4 billion breakfasts, with approximately 14.7 million students receiving free or reduced-price breakfasts. Here are some of the benefits of the SBP:
Improved Nutrition and Health
The SBP ensures that children from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to nutritious breakfasts, which is essential for their growth and development. The program provides meals that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, promoting healthy eating habits and improving overall health.
Positive Impact on Academic Performance
Research has shown that participation in school breakfast programs has a positive impact on academic performance. Students who eat a nutritious breakfast have higher standardized test scores, improved grades, especially in mathematics, and lower levels of absenteeism and lateness. A healthy breakfast improves memory, concentration, and energy levels, creating a more conducive environment for learning.
Social and Behavioral Benefits
The SBP has been linked to positive psychosocial behavior among students. Studies have shown that students who eat a nutritious breakfast report feeling more positive and alert, leading to improved social interactions and behavioral outcomes. This contributes to a healthier school environment and enhances students' overall well-being.
Addressing Food Insecurity
The SBP addresses food insecurity by providing meals to "nutritionally needy" students. Many children may not have the opportunity to eat breakfast regularly due to various factors such as working parents, long commutes, or insufficient food at home. The SBP ensures that all children have access to a healthy breakfast, regardless of their family's income or circumstances.
Financial Support for Families
The SBP offers financial relief to families, especially those with low incomes. Free meals are provided to children from families with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty level, while reduced-price meals are offered to those between 130% and 185% of the poverty level. This support helps alleviate the financial burden of providing daily meals for families struggling financially.
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SBP nutrition and health
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools, and childcare facilities in the United States. The SBP began as a pilot project in 1966 and was made permanent in 1975. It is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). State education agencies administer the SBP at the state level, and local school food authorities operate the program within schools.
The SBP provides reimbursement to states to operate nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare institutions. Schools receive cash reimbursement from the USDA for every meal they serve. All children in participating schools and residential institutions are eligible for a federally subsidized meal, regardless of family income. However, free meals must be provided to children from families with incomes below 130% of the federal poverty level, and reduced-price meals to those with family incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty level. Families above the 185% poverty level must pay full price for their meals, which are set by the school.
The USDA formulates its meal patterns and nutrition guidelines according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as directed by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. School breakfasts must meet these guidelines and are designed to ensure that students enter the classroom well-nourished and ready to learn. The meal pattern for breakfast includes fruits (or vegetables), whole grain-rich foods, meats or meat alternatives, and milk. Breakfasts are limited in sodium, calories, saturated fats, and trans fats.
There is evidence that school breakfast programs have positive effects on a student's ability to learn and function in school. Students who participate in school breakfast programs have been found to have higher standardized test scores, improved academic grades, and lower levels of absenteeism and lateness. Research has also shown that children and adults who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to improve their memory, concentration, energy, endurance, and mood, as well as attend school more regularly. In addition, engagement in a breakfast program has been shown to positively influence psychosocial behavior.
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The future of the SBP
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools and childcare facilities in the United States. The program began as a 2-year pilot in 1966 to assist schools in serving "nutritionally needy" students. In 1971, the program was modified to be available to schools that needed to improve the nutrition and dietary practices of children from low-income families with working parents. Since its inception, the SBP has expanded significantly, providing over 2.4 billion breakfasts to approximately 14.7 million students in FY 2018 and 2019.
Additionally, the SBP has seen an increase in funding opportunities and grants to support its expansion and improve the quality of meals. The SBP and Summer Meal Programs (SMP) Start-up and Expansion Grant, the Equipment Assistance Grant (EAG), and the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) Funding are some examples of funding initiatives that help schools initiate or expand the SBP and serve healthier meals. These grants also aim to improve food safety, address supply chain challenges, and expand meal service to pre-K students.
Research continues to support the positive impact of school breakfast programs on students' academic performance, behaviour, and overall health. Studies have shown that students who participate in the SBP have higher standardized test scores, improved academic grades, and lower levels of absenteeism and lateness. The social and behavioural benefits of the SBP are also evident, with students reporting feeling more alert and positive after consuming a nutritious breakfast.
Despite the positive outcomes of the SBP, there have been some setbacks and challenges. In 2018, the Trump Administration eased certain policies, allowing schools to opt out of the previous Obama-era school meal policies. This resulted in a rollback of some nutritional guidelines, such as reducing the amount of whole grains and increasing the levels of sugar and salt in school meals. However, health advocates continue to push for healthier options and the reduction of salt and added sugars in school meals.
Moving forward, the SBP aims to build on its successes and address any challenges to ensure that all students have access to nutritious breakfasts. By providing reimbursement to states and local school food authorities, the SBP will continue to support schools in offering free and reduced-cost meals to students, regardless of family income. The program's impact on students' health, academic performance, and overall well-being underscores the importance of its continued expansion and improvement in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is up to individual schools and school districts to decide whether to participate in the School Breakfast Program (SBP).
The School Breakfast Program is a federally funded meal program that provides free and reduced-cost breakfasts to children at public and private schools, and childcare facilities in the United States.
Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130% and 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Children from families over 185% of the poverty level pay full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent.
There is evidence that the School Breakfast Program has positive effects on a student's ability to learn and function at school. Students who eat breakfast at school have higher test scores, better attendance, and improved behaviour.
