Little Rock Educators Believe That No Child Should Go Hungry

Recently, I was able to catch up with Cathy Koehler, President of the Little Rock Education Association (LREA). Little Rock, Arkansas was one of the first school districts selected by NEA HIN and the Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom to receive a grant to pilot an alternative breakfast program in sixteen schools during the 2010-2011 school year. Since then, the program has received national recognition. Jeff Bridges, the famous actor, even visited Little Rock to shine a spotlight on the school district and the importance of school breakfast.

What is Breakfast in the Classroom?

In case you haven’t heard about Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), it’s an innovative way for more students to participate in the federally-funded school breakfast program by moving breakfast from the cafeteria and into the classroom. Studies have shown that when breakfast is moved into the classroom, after the start of the school day, more students are able to reap the benefits associated with the morning meal. As a result of eating breakfast, students show improvements in academic achievement, have better attendance records, and exhibit fewer behavioral problems.

Little Rock

In Little Rock, NEA HIN and their partners worked with LREA and Ms. Koehler to engage educators, parents and community members about the health and learning benefits associated with school breakfast.  Since the BIC program started, the school district has received national attention for its efforts to fight childhood hunger and increase the number of students participating in the morning meal.

As a result of the Breakfast in the Classroom program, Ms. Koehler reports that LRSD teachers have noticed significant improvements in students ‘ability to concentrate in class, a decrease in behavioral problems, and a decrease in student tardiness. Ms. Koehler said that, “students love eating breakfast in their classroom with their classmates and teacher”. This was evident at the recent media event with Jeff Bridges. Mr. Bridges spent time with students at Stephens Elementary School and even drew pictures of healthy foods with them during breakfast time.

How You Can Get Involved!

Are you interested in starting a Breakfast in the Classroom program at your school? Here are a few tips from our own Breakfast in the Classroom Champion, Cathy Koehler:

1. Prior to rolling out the program, pass around educational materials to school staff and parents regarding the academic, behavioral, and health benefits of breakfast.

2. Be sure to involve all affected school staff in planning the program before it is rolled out.

3. Don’t forget to consult with your school administrator to ensure breakfast time can count as instructional time.

4. Arrange a training session for all affected school staff on Breakfast in the Classroom logistics and implementation.

5. Be patient! The first few days or weeks of BIC may be challenging but stick with it.

To find out more information about Breakfast in the Classroom visit our website: www.neahin.org/breakfastintheclassroom and check out these great resources:

• NEA Health Information Network’s Start School With Breakfast Guide
• School Nutrition Foundation’s Breakfast in the Classroom Resource Center
• Food Research and Action Center’s Breakfast for Learning
• National Association of Elementary Schools Principal Foundation Breakfast in the Classroom Resources

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on April 21, 2014