Alternative breakfast models, or providing "breakfast after the bell," moves breakfast out of the cafeteria, making it more accessible and a part of the regular school day. This method is proven to be the most successful strategy for increasing breakfast participation. These models overcome timing, convenience, and stigma barriers that get in the way of children eating school breakfast.
Many high-poverty schools are also able to offer free meals for all students through federal reimbursements based on the proportions of low-income children in the school.
Though Kansas schools are making gains in implementing these strategies, they could be utilized at much higher rates throughout the state. You can advocate at multiple levels whether that's attending a school board meeting, calling school administrators to discuss possibilities, writing a letter to editor, and beyond. If you're interested in learning more, contact Haley Kottler at hkottler@kansasappleseed.org.
Many high-poverty schools are also able to offer free meals for all students through federal reimbursements based on the proportions of low-income children in the school.
Though Kansas schools are making gains in implementing these strategies, they could be utilized at much higher rates throughout the state. You can advocate at multiple levels whether that's attending a school board meeting, calling school administrators to discuss possibilities, writing a letter to editor, and beyond. If you're interested in learning more, contact Haley Kottler at hkottler@kansasappleseed.org.