Some food for thought...

During the 2013-2014 school year, only 33% of students eligible to receive free or reduced breakfast were able to eat breakfast at school.

This low rate of participation is due to multiple barriers that inhibit students during their busy mornings. The main problem they do not make breakfast a priority. Students would rather spend their morning:

A) Socializing with Peers
B) Playing Games
C) Catching up on last minute Schoolwork

The Solution

We propose adding a new section to
Chapter 28A.235 RCW to include breakfast
after the bell options for Washington State schools.

Proposed SB 5437 & HB 1295 will require all schools with 70% or more of their student body enrolled in free or reduced meal programs to offer a breakfast after the bell program.

This is not enough, to ensure that breakfast is a priority for all children, all public schools should be required implement a breakfast after the bell program

Schools will be able to tailor programs that work best for their students needs, including:

Grab and Go: easy to eat foods are available for students after the bell rings or in between classes
Second chance breakfast: Breakfast foods are available for students during recess, breaks or later in the morning for those who arrive late or are not hungry in the morning
Breakfast in the classroom: breakfast is served in the classroom during homeroom or first period

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day... Isn't it?
Children who eat breakfast in the morning have a higher chance of doing well in school. For some children, the only meals they receive during the day are at school. Breakfast after the Bell would allow children to begin the day with a nutritional meal. The opportunity to enjoy a nutritious breakfast at school has been linked to increased attendance rates, improvements in academic performance, and decreased disciplinary actions. Schools should make eating breakfast a priority for all students.

Let's make a change and make breakfast a priority for all schools in Washington State!

Some advocates for Breakfast After the Bell in Washington State:
United Way of King County, Washington Appleseed, Within Reach, Anti-Hunger Nutrition Coalition, Children’s Alliance, Action for Healthy Kids, Partners for our Children Washington Food Coalition