School Nutrition Programs:
The School Breakfast Program

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federal program providing cash assistance to participating public or non-profit private schools or residential child care institutions. Any child who attends a participating institution may purchase a school breakfast. However, children whose families meet income criteria may receive meals free or at a reduced priced.

The SBP provides a good start to the school day. Meals not only contribute to children.s nutritional health, but also to school performance. Studies show that students who eat breakfast at school:

  • Are more alert and perform better in class;
  • Have higher standardized achievement test scores;
  • Are less often absent and tardy; and
  • Have improved psycho-social behaviors.

Breakfast meals are planned to provide at least a fourth of students. needs for calories and key nutrients. The meal offers at a minimum four food items including:

  • A serving of milk;
  • A serving of a fruit or vegetable, or full-strength juice;
  • Two servings of bread or bread alternate, or;
  • Two servings of meat or meat alternate, or;
  • One serving of bread or bread alternate and one serving of meat or meat alternate.
For more information about the School Breakfast Program in West Virginia call or write:

West Virginia Department of Education
Office of Child Nutrition
Building 6, Room 248
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0330
Phone: 304-558-4856
or email Daniel Todd