Feed Your Students: Increase Your Scores

Chad Ostrom

Chase Ostrom, principal of Sunridge Elementary and Dr. Desiree Castillo, principal of Santa Maria Middle School, both in the Fowler Elementary District, provided an overview of the benefits Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) can bring to schools. Studies have shown that eating breakfast at school has a positive impact on student outcome with a significant impact in testing, discipline and attendance.

Just as the name implies, students eat breakfast in the classroom at the beginning of the day or during morning break. Breakfast can be either hot or cold, depending on the school’s facilities. Students can stop by the cafeteria and pick up their breakfast in grab ‘n’ go bags before heading to class or carts can deliver the meals to classrooms.

Ostrom and Castillo outlined strategies attendees can take to effortlessly sustain a breakfast program, including a list of suggested items to ease implementation. With a partnership between the classroom teachers, custodial team and food service, a BIC program can greatly enhance the school experience for students. 

Danielle Airey
Peoria Unified School District