For many students, the first barrier to learning is hunger. When kids start their day with a nutritious meal, they’re better able to focus, engage in class, and fully participate in their education. That’s why innovative approaches like Breakfast After the Bell are gaining momentum across Florida.
Rather than requiring students to arrive early to eat, Breakfast After the Bell makes breakfast part of the school day. This simple shift helps ensure more students—especially those facing challenges like transportation delays or packed morning routines—can start their day nourished and ready to learn.
We know through research that models like Breakfast After the Bell leads to improvements in attendance, student behavior, and academic engagement. It’s one example of how rethinking school meal access can directly support student success.
At Gove Elementary in Palm Beach County, the impact is clear. In the video below, teachers, students, and school leaders reflect on how Breakfast After the Bell is supporting learning and student well-being in their school community.
What’s happening at Gove reflects a larger truth: when children are well-nourished, they’re more likely to thrive in school and beyond. The video is more than a snapshot of one school’s success; it’s a call to action for communities and decision-makers to consider how meal models like Breakfast After the Bell can support students across the state.
If you’re interested in bringing Breakfast After the Bell to your school or district, we’re here to help. You can explore helpful resources, implementation guides, and success stories on our Center for Best Practices website. And if you have questions or want direct support, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at nokidhungryfl@strength.org —we’d love to connect.
