New Buffalo Elementary School
New Buffalo Area Schools
Berrien County
12291 Lubke Road
New Buffalo, Michigan 49117-8867
Enrollment: 246
Public School
Success Story Contact:
Patty Iazzetto
School Food Service Director
Phone: 269-469-6048
Email: piazzett@remc11.k12.mi.us
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Success Story Information:
Reach:
Duration: 1 to 3 months
Costs: - Materials/supplies
- Cost of additional staff.
- $2,501 - $5,000
Factors for Success: - Administrative support
- Funding
- Support of School Board and School Food Service Staff and Director
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SCHOOL BREAKFAST
SUCCESS STORY
Breakfast Does a Body Good
Did you remember to eat breakfast before you boarded the school bus at 6:50 a.m. this morning?
A FREE breakfast program pilot has increased the number of students eating breakfast for the 2007-2008 school year by 275% at New Buffalo Elementary School!
Prior to the 2007-2008 school year New Buffalo Elementary School had a breakfast program for those students who wished to purchase breakfast. The FREE pilot breakfast program began in September 2007. It started because of all of the positive reports and studies that have been in the media. The school board requested a proposal from the Food Service Department on all of the costs that would be associated with a free elementary breakfast program. Following the school food service director’s report to the school board, the board decided to fund the pilot program.
After adding two staff members to the morning cafeteria routine, the program has been running very smoothly. The children have the option of a pre-boxed breakfast which includes cereal, juice, and a snack. They add milk and call it breakfast; or they may choose from a second option that varies day to day.
In October of 2007, the Food Service Department conducted surveys with staff and parents. Staff survey results included: students are ready to learn; students are not thinking about their next meal, and students are behaving. The Physical Education teacher has observed that more kids are eating a healthier breakfast and first hour students have fewer reports of “empty" stomach aches. Students are also more awake, alert and energetic for first-hour physical education.
Parent survey results included: having an easier time getting children ready; they are eating a good breakfast, and children have a chance to socialize before school begins. In November of 2007, we were averaging 110 of 246 students participating daily for breakfast. During the 2006-2007 school year we were serving an average of 40 students daily. The school food service director is extremely happy with the results of this program. She says “our school district is very lucky to have a program like this. Hopefully, we will be able to start this same program at our middle school/high school building.”
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