According to FRAC's 10th annual School Breakfast Scorecard , last year s level of participation still leaves more than 2 million school children without school breakfast. The average number of low-income children fed by the School Breakfast Program on a daily basis was 6.3 million last school year, almost double the total in 1990 of 3.4 million students. FRAC s report identifies the states with the highest and lowest levels of participation in the School Breakfast Program. In Arkansas, Kentucky and West Virginia, more than 98 percent of the schools that offer lunch also offer breakfast, and the ratio of free and reduced-priced breakfasts served to lunches served averages to 55 percent. There are several compelling arguments to be made for school breakfast, Weill said.
Research shows that breakfast eaten close to class time benefits academic performance.
He added that he School Breakfast Program benefits low-income children, but it also fits the work and commuting patterns of many families these days. To visit FRAC's Web site and to download the School Breakfast Scorecard, please see Related Links.