TEXAS HUNGER INITIATIVE
SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM
The Texas Hunger Initiative (THI) is a statewide capacity-building project within the Baylor University School of Social Work that works collaboratively with national, state, and local governments to create an efficient system of accountability that increases food security in Texas. THI implements strategies to alleviate food insecurity through policy, education, and community organizing. It convenes federal, state, and local government stakeholders with non-profits, faith communities, and business leaders to use existing resources and to develop and implement plans to increase Texas families’ access to healthy foods
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is designed to allow schools to ensure that all children start the day alert and engaged. Schools are eligible to receive federal reimbursement for breakfasts served to children through the School Breakfast Program, though many schools do not participate. Even in schools that do serve breakfast, participation is often low when compared with total enrollment or participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).9
THI’s innovative approach to public-private collaboration has also demonstrated success in specific child nutrition program outreach. THI partners with the USDA and Dairy MAX, a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Dairy Council, to help interested school districts implement alternative school breakfast models that allow all children to eat during the first 15 minutes of class. Examples of these models include Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), Grab and Go, and Breakfast After First Period. All three organizations bring something unique to the table. USDA brings federal money for food reimbursements, Dairy MAX brings private grant money for startup costs (such as trashcans, cold cases, and warming carts), and THI recruits districts and brings expertise to help these schools through the implementation process.
59.6% STATE PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL
Studies have shown that skipping breakfast can keep children from reaching their full potential. Some show that eating breakfast not only decreases the risk of food insecurity for a child, but also decreases their absenteeism and behavioral problems, while increasing their potential for learning.10 Other studies show that school breakfast participants are also more likely to consume diets that are adequate or exceed standards for important vitamins and minerals.11 Additionally, some show that school breakfast may protect against childhood obesity.12 Fortunately, there are federal resources already available to schools to ensure kids start their day full of nutritious food and ready to learn.
Key Findings •
Texas served 300,082,570 total breakfasts during the 2011-2012 school year for a state reimbursement of $460,290,681.13
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At end of the 2011-2012 school year, Texas had 59.6% statewide participation in the School Breakfast Program (per 100 students eating Free or Reduced-Price lunch).
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If each school district in Texas reached the goal of serving breakfast to 60 low-income students per 100 low-income students eating lunch, the state would receive $46,672,962 in additional reimbursement.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
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