The new breakfast program at RancheView School has taken off since its start up in January and by its second week it went from 14 students to more than 100 utilizing its service.
“Our first week of our breakfast program was excellent,” said Jen Barton. “We are working to make this program part of our school culture and view it as one more step in our community building process.”
Barton said the program, made possible with the help of a government grant, ensures all students receive a healthy breakfast without questioning why a student might need to eat at school.
“All students are welcome to our breakfast program for whatever reason. Students might not have had time to grab breakfast before coming to school, some may have an internal system where they feel ill if they eat too soon, students may be having a growth spurt and are just extra hungry that day, or some may not have food readily available. It’s not for us to decide the reason,” Barton said.
When RancheView School was first deciding how to implement the program there was concern about the possibility a stigma might be attached to the program.
“We decided early on that this program should be available to all of our students as it’s really impossible for us to be the ones to decide who may or may not need some extra nutrients in the morning.”
Beyond feeding hungry students, the breakfast program is designed as a socialization time at the start of the day where kids can just hang out.
“Studies have shown the importance of a healthy breakfast in the morning. We also know the importance of having a sense of belonging. This morning ritual offers a safe place for children/students to come together to eat or simply socialize,” Barton said. “So far, we have a multitude of students coming each morning and are already feeling the sense belonging in our gathering area.”
The program facilitators at RancheView School are still ironing out the food preparation process and will begin offering baked items by February.
