NORTH CAROLINA, USA — There are new efforts to provide more free or reduced breakfasts to some of our students.
State leaders have partnered with local organizations including the Carolina Hunger Initiative. Together they want to change the stigma behind free or reduced meals.
Typically, when a student gets a free or reduced breakfast, they must come to school early and eat in the cafeteria.
A new state effort would change that routine - and change the stigma around it.
Andrew Harrell said, "What these models do is make it a part of the school day by serving one during, homeroom or grabbing go-style meals served from attractive kiosks in the hallway. Especially for high school, a second chance breakfast. For older students who may not be hungry first thing in the day."
Harrell is the Program and Communications Manager for Carolina Hunger Initiative (CHI).
The state is allocating $1.4 million in grant money to expand free and reduced breakfast services. CHI said they plan to prioritize schools that already offer free breakfasts apart of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.
Here is some data regarding the number of schools that offer free and reduced breakfast in the Triad:
- Alamance-Burlington Schools - 16
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools - 65
- Guilford County School - 107
Harrell said the meals provided will be nutritional because school the USDA has mandated rules and guidelines.
"Even if you see a popular item in the grocery store, Harrell continued. "It has to be reformulated to meet specific sugar, or sodium guidelines to be served in schools."
All districts throughout the state can apply for the grant and expect the application to open Nov. 1.