Expanding your program to include Breakfast After the Bell options is an effective way to increase participation. Serving breakfast in the classroom, offering “Grab & Go” kiosks or bags, or cycling students through the cafeteria in shifts throughout the morning for a “Second Chance” breakfast are all ways to help more students access breakfast. Piloting the program in one grade or one classroom can also help build confidence in expanding breakfast programs as you prepare to roll out a program across the school or district.
If choosing to serve breakfast outside of the cafeteria, work with cafeteria staff to develop a system for pre-packing, delivery, and point of service accountability. Make sure that breakfasts are easy to transport, eat, and clean up.
Making school breakfast available to all students free of charge is another strong strategy for increasing access to your school breakfast program. This can be accomplished by enrolling in federal provisions such as the Community Eligibility Provision or Provision 2. The Child Nutrition Outreach team at Project Bread can assist any Massachusetts school district interested in exploring options to make free school meals more accessible in your community.