The Feasibility of Mandating School Breakfast in California's Severe Need Schools: Costs, Challenges, and Recommendations

Abstract

Research has shown that students who regularly eat a nourishing breakfast perform better in school, get along better with their peers, are generally happier, and are at a reduced risk of obesity. Eating a healthy breakfast daily is especially important for children from low-income families.California has been gradually increasing the proportion of students who are participating in the School Breakfast Program (SBP). However, progress has slowed compared to many other states.To accelerate growth, the California Legislature authorized the California Department of Education to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of mandating that all severe need schools in California offer the SBP.Prepared by WestEd and the California Department of Education, this is the final report of that study