Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, especially for growing children. Legislators and advocates have worked to ensure that free and reduced-price breakfast is available at school for underprivileged children in New Jersey. In 2024, Governor Murphy expanded the eligibility range for free and discounted meals through the Federal School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program to families with an annual income of up to 224% of the federal poverty level (no more than $67,200 annual household income). This was the second time in two years that New Jersey widened these qualifications. However, many students are still missing this essential start to a healthy, productive school day.
Starting the day with a healthy meal can help students achieve higher test scores, concentrate better in class, and spend less time out sick or in the nurse’s office. Ensuring that more students begin their school day with a nutritious breakfast has been a major focus in New Jersey. ACNJ collaborated with other partners through the New Jersey Food for Thought Campaign to improve the state’s ranking from 46th in 2010 to 19th nationally in 2018 for student participation, which led to reimbursing districts $105 million in funding. Despite this positive trend, participation remains low. According to data from the 2024 NJ Kids Count Pocket Guide, only 58% of eligible students participated in the program per every 100 kids who also participated in their school's lunch program.
In 2019, a state law required schools with at least 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to serve breakfast during school hours. With expanding eligibility criteria as of 2024, Hunger Free NJ estimates there are now an additional 60,000 eligible children. Yet participation remains insufficient.
One reason for low participation is that some schools serve breakfast before classes start—before many children arrive on campus. To address this issue, several districts have adopted a "breakfast after the bell" approach during regular classroom hours. This method leads to better student participation and increases chances for a successful and healthy school day. According to ACNJ's Food for Thought: Annual New Jersey School Breakfast Report (2014), within four years of implementing this program between 2010 and 2014, low-income student participation increased by 55%.
Stigma associated with needing free meals and resistance from school leaders can contribute significantly to underperformance against student hunger targets. Some educators fear losing instructional time by adopting new models; however, since 2012 guidance from both NJ Department of Education and NJ Department of Agriculture counts classroom breakfasts as instructional time due to its positive impact on development and performance.
Some teachers integrate breakfast into educational activities by giving tasks or problems during mealtime. For example, fourth-grade teacher Zoe Coleman mentioned she provided math and science problems while her students ate breakfast—a practice she noted made them more energetic and eager learners without needing mid-morning snacks.
Schools not offering breakfast miss out on financial support available through federal reimbursements aimed at high-poverty areas—$2.84 per free breakfast and $2.54 per reduced-price meal served during the academic year could enhance food quality or upgrade facilities.
Superintendents play crucial roles as district leaders; their support can make programs like "breakfast after the bell" accessible locally if they recognize its benefits fully understood by community members' advocacy efforts.
Reducing family stress over providing daily meals tightens parent-school relationships while ensuring fewer hungry learners benefit communities overall; speaking directly with superintendents about these programs may help disadvantaged children gain necessary nutrition supporting optimal education experiences.
For further information refer directly towards Hunger Free NJ's School Meals For All initiative.
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