School Breakfast Program

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School Breakfast Program

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions in the United States. The program was established to provide nutritious morning meals to children, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to start their day. The SBP is administered at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

History

The School Breakfast Program was first piloted in 1966 under the Child Nutrition Act. It was initially intended to provide breakfast to children in poor areas and areas where children had to travel long distances to school. The program was made permanent in 1975 due to its success and the growing recognition of the importance of breakfast for children's health and academic performance.

Program Administration

The SBP is administered at the state level by state education agencies, which operate the program through agreements with local school food authorities. Schools that participate in the program receive cash subsidies from the USDA for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve breakfasts that meet federal nutritional requirements and offer free or reduced-price breakfasts to eligible children.

Nutritional Standards

The meals provided under the SBP must meet specific nutritional standards set by the USDA. These standards are designed to ensure that children receive a balanced meal that includes fruits, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk. The standards also limit the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium in the meals.

Eligibility and Participation

Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those from families with incomes between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals. Schools are required to make breakfast available to all students, regardless of their ability to pay.

Impact and Benefits

Research has shown that participation in the School Breakfast Program is associated with improved dietary intake, better academic performance, and reduced absenteeism and tardiness. Children who eat breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the SBP faces several challenges, including low participation rates in some areas, logistical issues in serving breakfast before the start of the school day, and ensuring that meals meet the diverse dietary needs of students.

See Also

• National School Lunch Program
• Child Nutrition Act
• Food and Nutrition Service
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010