Celebrating National School Breakfast Week 2026

It’s National School Breakfast Week!

Observed each year during the first full week of March, this celebration shines a spotlight on the critical role school breakfast plays in helping students start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed.

As we celebrate, we’re also reflecting. Over the past year, school nutrition professionals, administrators, state agency staff, and community partners from across the country shared feedback through our National School Breakfast Survey. You told us what’s working, what’s challenging, and what needs attention right now.

Based on your feedback, here’s what we learned.

Areas That Need the Most Attention

Survey responses highlighted several consistent challenges. Student participation, especially in middle and high schools, remains the top concern. When breakfast is rushed, scheduled before buses arrive, or not fully supported by school leadership, participation drops. Many respondents emphasized that students often have only 10–15 minutes to eat, which is simply not enough time.

Staffing shortages and operational capacity are also major barriers. Limited morning prep time, difficulty hiring and retaining reliable staff, and the complexity of implementing models like Breakfast in the Classroom create strain. Rising food and labor costs, paired with reimbursement rates that may not reflect actual expenses, continue to challenge financial sustainability.

Menu flexibility and product availability were also frequent themes. Many of you shared a desire for more protein-forward, scratch-cooked, and appealing options, along with concerns about packaging waste, sugar limits, and regulations that can make it harder to serve items students will actually eat.

In Louisiana, school leaders identified rising costs, student participation, and stigma around school breakfast as top concerns.

Potential Changes for Improvement

When asked what would make the biggest difference, one message stood out clearly: make breakfast part of the school day. Respondents called for a designated breakfast period built into the school day schedule and for at least 15 minutes of seated time to eat. Expanding Breakfast After the Bell and Second Chance models were frequently mentioned.

Universal free breakfast was another strong theme. Many shared that when breakfast is free for all students, participation increases, stigma decreases, and operations are simplified. Increased reimbursement rates, greater menu flexibility, and streamlined regulations were also cited as changes that would strengthen programs.

Leadership support is critical. Greater buy-in from principals, teachers, and administrators can normalize breakfast participation and help remove logistical and cultural barriers.

A Louisiana respondent shared that “full on support from school staff to promote school breakfast and breakfast in the classroom would make school breakfast work better.” 

What Support Is Most Helpful

You were clear about the resources that matter most: real examples of what’s working in other schools and districts, practical tools that can be implemented quickly, and ready-to-use marketing and communication materials for families and school leaders.

Respondents also value clear, concise updates on research and policy changes, as well as opportunities to connect with peers through webinars and training sessions. Resources that reduce administrative burden and support day-to-day operations remain a top priority. We’re taking that feedback to heart as we shape our 2026 priorities.

Where We Are in 2026

As we celebrate School Breakfast Week, we reflect on how much Breakfast After the Bell models continue to expand. Awareness of the link between nutrition and academic performance is growing, and more districts are exploring ways to reduce stigma and streamline access to breakfast.

In Louisiana, school leaders shared that while commitment to breakfast remains strong, rising costs, effective communication, and stigma continue to affect participation. It was noted that support from school staff to promote breakfast could help reach more students.

Your feedback gives us a clear understanding: strengthen sustainability, expand universal access, support operations, and elevate proven models that drive participation.

As you prepare for National School Breakfast Week 2026 (March 2–6), we’re here to support you with practical resources, from menu inspiration and marketing tools to training and operational guidance.

Find more resources on our Center for Best Practices’ School Breakfast webpage. Sign up to receive our Breakfast Bites newsletter for updates, resources, and news on all things breakfast.

Thank you for sharing your insights. Together, we’re building stronger school breakfast programs for the year ahead.