Hunger in Our Schools: Teachers Report 2013*, a recent survey commissioned by Share Our Strength, shows three of four teachers and principals reported seeing children in their schools regularly coming to school hungry. When so much depends on our children getting a good education, it’s shocking to find that so many of them are starting their days at such a disadvantage.
We know that breakfast is critically important in providing kids the nutrition they need to learn and grow― both physically and cognitively. A study conducted earlier this year by Deloitte and the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices** showed that breakfast can have a potentially dramatic effect on students. Students who eat breakfast achieve 17.5 percent higher math scores and are 20 percent more likely to graduate from high school.
The Teachers Report 2013 also shows that of the educators surveyed, there was overwhelming agreement that hunger has adverse effects on their students:
- Can’t concentrate 88% agree
- Lack energy 82% agree
- Show poor academic performance 82% agree
- Cause discipline problems 67%
Alternative Breakfast Models Showing Promise
Of the number of students who qualify to eat a free or reduce price school lunch (21 million), only half currently eat a school breakfast (about 11 million.) Why? Barriers such as late bus schedules, conflicting priorities, and stigma associated with eating in the cafeteria while other kids socialize, stop many students from getting this important meal.
There is a solution. Pioneering schools have found that moving breakfast out of the cafeteria and making it a part of the school day (breakfast after the bell) ensures more kids can start their day with a healthy meal. Teachers and principals report that Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab N’ Go Breakfast and other alternative models are showing results:
- Improved student alertness during morning classes 76% agree
- Improved attendance 57% agree
- Fewer visits to the school nurse 55% agree
- Fewer discipline problems 54% agree
According to Tiffany Barnard, Child Nutrition Director for the Drew Central School District in Monticello, Arkansas, “There’s less chaos in the class. They say now the kids are paying attention to what you’re saying because they’re not looking at the clock every five minutes to see if it’s time to go to lunch.”
The Arkansas No Kid Hungry campaign is working to help schools all across Arkansas offer alternative models like Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab N’ Go, and Second Chance Breakfast by offering assistance and grant money to start or expand their programs. For information about grant eligibility or to talk with our Breakfast Program Director Vivian Nicholson call 501.399.9999 or visit https://arhungeralliance.org/programs/no-kid-hungry/breakfast/.
* http://www.nokidhungry.org/back-to-school/
**Ending Childhood Hunger: A Social Impact Analysis, Deloitte, 2013.