Arkansas has moved up from #6 to #5 in the Food Research and Action Center’s national ranking of school breakfast participation, according to a recent report. During the 2019-2020 school year, Arkansas grew from 66.3% to 67.8% of low-income students who participated in the school breakfast program compared to those who participated in the school lunch program, which moves Arkansas even closer to FRAC’S national goal of 70% participation.

As the lead No Kid Hungry partner in Arkansas, the Alliance congratulates all the school districts across the state that have adopted Breakfast After the Bell models (Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab and Go or Second Chance breakfast) and those that have increased the number of students able to access a nutritional school breakfast. We also commend the eligible districts that have adopted USDA meal service options, such as the Community Eligibility Provision, that allow them to serve meals at no charge to all students, removing a key barrier to breakfast participation.

“We know students who start their day with a nutritious school breakfast are more likely to enjoy both the academic and health benefits they need to thrive,” said Patty Barker, No Kid Hungry Campaign Director. “We applaud the heroic efforts of school nutrition teams during the pandemic to provide these essential school meals to their students, whether they attend school in person or remotely.”

To learn more about FRAC’s annual School Breakfast Scorecard and read the full report, visit frac.org.