Expanding Breakfast Grants

Dairy MAX grants are available to schools participating in the National School Breakfast Program. The grants will help schools implement their wellness policies through the establishment of an alternative breakfast service method designed to increase breakfast participation.

Click here for a Expanding Breakfast Grant Application (DOC)

Click here for an Expanding Breakfast Grant Application (PDF)

Breakfast in the Classroom

Imagine entering the classroom when a cart is coming down the corridor to your room.  On it is breakfast with foods from the grain, fruit and milk groups.
Taking a pre-portioned meal and cold milk, the student eats breakfast while the teacher is taking attendance and completing the other tasks before starting the instructional day.

A garbage bag is on the cart so students can clean-up quickly before the cart is returned to the kitchen by a student or picked up by a school food service person.

Breakfast participation increases with this type of service as it is easy for the students to quickly and efficiently enjoy the benefit of a morning meal.
Make the grade by having breakfast in the classroom.

Grab ‘N Go Breakfast Program

This is exactly what students do...grab a bagged meal from mobile carts or tables at the school entrance or high traffic area.  They may take them on to a classroom, courtyard or other common area prior to first class or they may save them for a break.  Secondary students like the flexibility and choices of this approach.

Grab-N-Go breakfast is waiting for students at the door as they enter the building or located in other areas convenient for grabbing a quick meal.

Other menu ideas for Grab-N-Go include bagels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, cereal bars, granola, all served with fruit or 100% fruit juice and milk, plain or flavored.  For variety string cheese or Cheddar cheese sticks are available.

Keeping milk cold at 35 degrees Fahrenheit is accomplished by using cooler barrels, cooler bags or other cold milk equipment.

Set up a serving station or breakfast kiosk and support student success by making healthy choices easy for students.

Breakfast After 1st Period

Delayed breakfast may also be referred to as Breakfast after 1st period or Breakfast after the bell.  The point is to offer breakfast after the school day begins. Many students do not like to eat early in the morning or lack of time may be a factor. Students, as well as parents, are seeking the benefits of eating breakfast with their classmates at school. The following are benefits school districts are reporting:

  • less tardiness
  • increased participation
  • decreased discipline problems
  • increased productivity in the classroom
  • overall satisfaction among students & parents

This is a win-win situation for parents, students, teachers and administrators.  Consider implementing a “delayed breakfast” program in your school!