Washington County Schools Vary Widely on Breakfast Participation by Low-income Students:
Findings of Survey by Local Hunger Council
The Hunger Council of Washington County, comprised of local leaders and policy makers, is dedicated to reducing childhood hunger in the County. Concerned that childhood hunger rates are increasing in Vermont and recognizing that school meals are a critical source of nutrition for children, the Council surveyed all the public schools in Washington County about their school meal programs.
The Council was gratified to learn that all public schools in Washington County offer both school breakfast and lunch. However, the participation rates by students in these meal programs vary widely among the schools. Breakfast participation by low-income students ranges from a low of 14% at one small rural elementary school to a high of 60% in another similar school. The survey found that breakfast participation increased significantly when schools offered breakfast in the classroom at snack time. Another finding is that students eligible for free or reduced price meals were more apt to participate in breakfast when there is a higher percentage of low income students in the school.
The survey asked questions about enrollment procedures in free/reduced price meals and whether support was given to parents with low literacy to help them fill out the applications. The Council determined that schools could do more to increase free/reduced enrollment by encouraging all parents - not just parents who believe they are eligible - to return the applications and by providing help completing applications.
The Council was very impressed with the dedication of school food service directors and with the quality of some of the programs. In 23 of the 26 public schools, local products were incorporated into the meals programs. The survey found that more than half of the meal programs were supported with local funds. Recognizing that school meals are a critical source of nutrition for students, Council members are working with communities to increase access to summer meal programs with enrichment activities.
For a copy of the "Best Practices in Vermont School Meals" or information on school meal participation at your school, please contact the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger (VTCECH) at dkeeney@vtnohunger.org or 802-865-0255. The Hunger Council of Washington County was convened by VTCECH with support from the Northfield Savings Bank.
Ginny Burley, School Board Chair of U32
Dorigen Keeney, Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger
