District 93 expands breakfast program

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A school breakfast pilot program has been expanded to include all eight schools in Carol Stream Elementary District 93.

The program began with two schools in November, was expanded to three more after winter break, and the final three were added last week, Superintendent Bill Shields said.

If the program is successful, it could be made permanent, he said.

The effort began after principals and teachers began noticing students coming to school without having eaten and without any energy for the day. Some research indicates eating breakfast can improve academic performance, Shields said.

"When you're hungry, you're not as focused," he said. "You're thinking of lunchtime."

On a typical day, about 300 students eat breakfast at the district's two middle and six elementary schools. The meal consists of items such as cereal, fruit, juice and milk. It is available in a "grab-and-go" format served 20 minutes before the start of classes.

The breakfast costs $1.25. It is also available to those who qualify for free and reduced meals. The reduced price is 30 cents.

The program is subsidized by the National School Lunch Program and no additional district funds are used, officials said.