Fact Sheet

• As many as 35-40% of children do not eat a nutritious breakfast at home in the morning.

• Research shows that programs offering breakfast to all children during the first part of the school day at no cost, regardless of income, dramatically increase student participation in school breakfast.

• Research shows that children who eat school breakfast eat more fruits, drink more milk, and consume a wider variety of foods throughout the day than those who don’t eat breakfast or eat breakfast at home.

• Studies conclude that students who eat school breakfast increase their math and reading scores as well as improve their speed and memory in cognitive tests.

• Research shows that children who eat breakfast at school, closer to class and test-taking time, perform better on standardized tests than those who skip breakfast or eat breakfast at home.

• Schools that provide breakfast, in the classroom, to all students show decreases in tardiness and suspensions as well as improved student behavior and attentiveness.

Sources: FRAC, Ohio State University Extension