Cost‐effective Analyses of an Urban Public School District's Classroom Breakfast Program. (19th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Elaine; Sutherland, Marcia E.; Coppola, Nanci; Williams‐Barker, Annalesa
• Is Part Of: Journal of school health. Volume 91:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19
• Subjects: cost analyses -- elementary and middle school students -- food insecurity -- school‐based breakfast programs -- student outcomes -- teacher assessment; School health services -- Periodicals; School children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; 371.71
• DOI: 10.1111/josh.13006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4391

Abstract

Abstract : BACKGROUND: We assessed the cost‐effectiveness and student outcomes related to providing breakfast in the classroom (BIC) setting versus breakfast in the traditional school cafeteria (Cafe). METHODS: The sample included 2906 African American and Hispanic students attending urban elementary and middle schools in a city in the Northeastern United States. Teachers and other school personnel completed interviews. Teachers completed an online survey. RESULTS: School absences were lower for students in the BIC program than in the Cafe program. The school suspension rate was lower for the BIC students than the Cafe students. A larger percentage of BIC students (80%) ate breakfast than Cafe students (30%). The BIC program was more cost‐effective than the Cafe program. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that low‐income students in the BIC program showed improved attendance and increased breakfast consumption. Students who consume a healthy in‐class breakfast may develop better eating habits and academic performance.