The Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) Program has officially hit the hallways of all Garfield Heights K-8 buildings! The program was piloted at William Foster Elementary in January 2018. Before BIC, the average monthly breakfast participation was 61% (data based on September-November 2017). However, after the BIC launch, participation had risen to 67% (data based on March-May 2018). This was an average daily increase of 40 student breakfasts per day!
After learning from the “glows and grows” of the William Foster pilot, we were able to roll out the program to the rest of the district at the start of the 2018-2019 school year. In just the first month of school, we are seeing a steady increase in breakfast participation district-wide.
With the BIC program in place, we are able to reach more students who may not have had time to stop by the cafeteria for a bite to eat in the morning. The BIC carts serve as a mobile breakfast station, equipped with all of the breakfast meal components. Each day students have the choice of a hot or cold breakfast entrée- some fan favorites include French toast sticks, cinnamon rolls, and yogurt parfaits!
We are continually working to improve the operations of the BIC program. Preliminary results of a district wide survey have shown that the majority of teachers find this program to be a great benefit to students, as it has contributed to a positive learning environment. Generally, students seem eager to get to school in the morning and are more focused in the classroom. We are excited that this program has allowed more students to start their day with a nutritious and balanced breakfast!