Breakfast Challenge - Increasing Healthy Eating in High Schools

Background: Breakfast has often been deemed the most important meal of the day, especially for school aged children. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast often experience higher concentration levels throughout the day as well as increased academic performance. In addition, children who consistently eat breakfast are at a lower rate of becoming obese. In order to promote an overall healthy school environment, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has taken a multidisciplinary approach to increasing breakfast participation among high school students because this group tends to have lower participation than elementary age children. In October 2013, CPS Nutrition Support Services along with the Office of Student Health and Wellness partnered with the district’s food service vendor to establish the High School Breakfast Challenge (HSBC).

Methods: The HSBC aims to increase student's average daily participation (ADP) in breakfast at 20 high schools with an ADP of lower than 20%. This project is unique in that it engages multiple stakeholders including external partners and funders, school administrators, and students to implement innovative strategies for increasing participation in the district's nutritional universal breakfast program. This presentation will address strategies, challenges, opportunities, and offer best practices for engagement at the school level.

Results: Baseline data including breakfast participation rates of the HSBC are currently being assessed and will be presented.

Conclusion: The High School Breakfast Challenge is an example of how students can be actively engaged in school nutrition initiatives, serving as a model for peer-led food and health efforts.