In fiscal year 2023, schools served nearly 2.4 billion breakfasts under the School Breakfast Program nationwide. Statewide, the participation number is over 500,000 meals daily.
Numerous studies, including research from Harvard and Tufts Universities, have shown a direct correlation between school breakfast participation and academic performance. In addition, breakfast participation has shown to improve school attendance, students' attention spans, and performance of tasks; fewer problems with irritability, anxiety and aggression were also noted.
The SBP is a federal and state reimbursement program for each breakfast served that meets federal requirements. All SBP sponsors are required to offer free and reduced - price breakfasts to eligible children. Reimbursement rates are established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) annually.
Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, schools/sites participating in SBP must offer all students a free breakfast and reimburse them at the federal free rate for all breakfasts served. The state of Pennsylvania funds the additional reimbursement as part of the Free School Breakfasts for All initiative.
Any school/site currently participating in the National School Lunch Program may apply to be a SBP sponsor.
Beginning the 2023-2024 School Year, all students participating in the School Breakfast Program receive their meal at no cost.
To qualify for reimbursement, all SBP breakfasts must meet federal nutrition requirements. School breakfasts must offer foods from the three required components (Fruit/Vegetable, Protein Foods/Grains, and Milk). Serving sizes vary based on the grade level of the students. Decisions about the specific foods to serve and the methods of preparation are made by local school food authorities.
More information may be found on the School Breakfast Program (SBP) Fact Sheet | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)