Teachers' Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Breakfast in the Classroom: The Importance of Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND Teacher resistance is sometimes cited as a barrier to implementing Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC), an approach to school breakfast in which students eat at their desks after the school day has begun. Given their role in serving breakfast with BIC, teacher perceptions may be critical in implementing an effective BIC program. METHODS K‐5 teachers (N = 249) in an urban, low‐income school district completed an online survey that assessed their expectations of BIC (retrospectively), perceptions of its benefits and challenges, and current program satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation tests, and multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Most teachers (64%) whose students were currently receiving BIC were satisfied with the program overall, and 81% of teachers agreed that (1) BIC should continue and (2) is worth the effort. The most commonly identified problem was lack of breakfast variety and healthfulness. Retrospective positive expectations were positively correlated with current program satisfaction (r = .61, p < .001), although overall post‐implementation perceptions are much more positive. Additionally, the perception that BIC improves students' health is related to higher satisfaction with BIC. CONCLUSIONS Focusing on the health implications of BIC may be important to implementing new BIC programs.

Key determinants to school breakfast program implementation in Philadelphia public schools: Implications for the role of SNAP-Ed

“…Although “after the bell” models removed the barrier of students having to arrive at school early to eat, when they could not be provided, having students enter the building through the cafeteria maximized breakfast participation by explicitly inviting and encouraging students to eat. These findings reflect prior literature which highlights the positive impact of serving breakfast after the bell in promoting student participation, nutrition behaviors, and preventing absenteeism ( 13 , 14 , 35 ).…”

“…Within the inner setting domain, school staff also emphasized that food quality was an important factor in student breakfast participation with hot items, such as breakfast sandwiches, and fruit being particularly popular with students. It was not within the scope of our study to conduct interviews with students, but prior research indicates that perceptions of food quality and cultural relevance were key factors in participation in BIC initiatives ( 14 ) highlighting the importance of gaining student and parent input in breakfast programming and menu selection ( 36 ). In the current study, concerns were mainly from teachers/administrators regarding quality of food and a lack of high-protein options.…”

“…In addition to the traditional model of serving breakfast in the cafeteria before school, termed "cafeteria before the bell, " other options include serving breakfast on "grab-ngo carts;" serving "breakfast in the classroom" (BIC) after school starts; and serving breakfast in the "cafeteria after the bell" (CAB; see Table 1). In the last decade, several studies have been conducted to elucidate the impact of these various models on attendance, meal participation, nutritional outcomes, and even on student weight status (2,(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). All studies report that BIC or CAB are positively associated with improved attendance and participation, highlighting factors such as reduced stigma and accommodation of student/family needs in decision making as potential antecedents to such changes (2,14,18).…”

“…In the last decade, several studies have been conducted to elucidate the impact of these various models on attendance, meal participation, nutritional outcomes, and even on student weight status ( 2 , 13 – 18 ). All studies report that BIC or CAB are positively associated with improved attendance and participation, highlighting factors such as reduced stigma and accommodation of student/family needs in decision making as potential antecedents to such changes ( 2 , 14 , 18 ). However, research to date has mainly examined the impact of breakfast models on student outcomes, but not the factors which influence implementation of each model.…”

Parents' perceived risks and benefits on avoidance of street food near schools in Indonesia: Moderating role of school type

“…To limit their children's consumption of unhealthy foods at school, parents go the extra mile, preparing breakfast, packing snacks and lunch boxes, and educating their children about how unhealthy foods can affect their health (Rachmadewi et al, 2021). Parental engagement is important in establishing school policies, particularly those related to health promotion programs (Hoffman et al, 2015; Long et al, 2020; McKeon et al, 2021; Robertson et al, 2022). A school canteen managed by parents have better management regulations and provide healthier choice of food (Rachmadewi et al, 2021).…”