Beginning in January 2022, the “Breakfast in the Classroom” program at Franklin County’s South Middle School has been nothing but a success. School Nutrition Director Vonda Bradford received a No Kid Hungry Tennessee grant to purchase the equipment needed to transport breakfast to students during the homeroom period. The program is getting big smiles and thumbs up from students and staff.
South’s cafeteria manager, Tara Scott, is the head – and one of the hearts – of the four-person school nutrition team at South Middle School. Ms. Scott says they are now serving close to 260 breakfast meals per day, out of approximately 300 students. The team has been on board from the beginning, working closely with Principal Hobbs and South teachers to meet their needs and the needs of students. One teacher commented, “Breakfast has just become part of the day.” Ms. Scott and her team offer both hot and cold breakfast options each day and work with teachers to record the number of meals served.
The team has worked hard to build relationships with both students and staff, and they are part of day-to-day life at South. Ms. Scott’s hope is to always be a smiling face and offer a kind word. She makes conversation with students, asking how the day is going, noticing someone’s new haircut or outfit, and always making a connection as she pushes her cart down the hall and delivers breakfast to the classrooms
Students at South say they enjoy eating breakfast in the classroom. They like being able to grab breakfast in class and start working on their morning assignments – much more convenient than making a trip to the cafeteria and feeling rushed. One student mentioned that it was nice to be able to eat at his desk, with plenty of space to spread out his food and his morning work, instead of being cramped with over 300 students in the cafeteria trying to eat at the same time. With breakfast in the classroom, there is no waiting in line or morning rush to lockers. Principal Hobbs says he is thankful to Ms. Scott and her team for giving all students at South the opportunity to start their day in a positive way, with their minds ready to learn.
Director Bradford shared that four of her schools in the district are participating in an alternative breakfast service model, and that each of these schools has excellent breakfast participation. In fact, breakfast programs have been such a success that some schools serve more students at breakfast than lunch on a daily basis. Under Director Bradford, Franklin County has offered free breakfast to all students for several years. Regardless of changes to federal policy, the district plans to continue offering universal breakfast at no cost to families, so that all students have the opportunity to start their day with a meal and a smile.
