Case study: Expanding Breakfast Access to Improve Student Readiness and Participation

This case study highlights how three districts, Providence Public Schools, Bensenville School District 2, and Collinsville CUSD #10 implemented innovative “Grab-and-Go” and mobile breakfast strategies to ensure students start their day nourished and ready to learn.

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The impact of breakfast on learning

Breakfast consumption is consistently linked to improved concentration, better classroom behavior, enhanced memory, and stronger academic performance. For many students, school breakfast is not just a convenience, it is a critical source of daily nutrition.

Yet logistical barriers such as transportation schedules, limited morning time, and inaccessible meal locations often prevent students from participating. Schools that address these barriers directly see measurable improvements not only in meal program participation, but in overall student readiness and wellbeing.

Students who begin the day with a nutritious breakfast are better prepared to learn.

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Blue insulated cooler labeled Rise and Shine placed in the back of a vehicle, next to a clipboard with a meal distribution sign in sheet and colorful fruit themed graphics.

The initiative

To address these barriers, PPSD launched a Grab-and-Go Breakfast pilot at eight schools. Breakfast carts and mobile stations were positioned directly at school entry points, allowing students to pick up a reimbursable meal immediately upon arrival.

Child holding a crumpled paper bag indoors, with other children seated at tables in the softly focused background of a bright school cafeteria or classroom setting.

The results

The Grab-and-Go model proved both practical and cost-effective. By leveraging existing staff and investing in minimal equipment, PPSD significantly increased access and convenience for secondary students. In just the first three months, the district recorded a 62% average increase in breakfast participation, demonstrating a strong demand for accessible, flexible morning service. Based on its early success, the district is evaluating opportunities for expansion.

Food service staff member standing beside a breakfast cart featuring a Rise and Shine promotional sign with information about complete breakfast items, inside a school food service area.

The initiative

The district repositioned its breakfast cart directly outside the band room. Students exiting rehearsal could immediately pick up breakfast, after which the cart was moved to the main entrance to serve students arriving late or those who missed earlier opportunities. Staff prepared pre-made bags containing a breakfast option and juice, with students selecting an additional item to complete a reimbursable meal. Hot and cold options ensured variety and appeal.

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The results

This simple shift, bringing breakfast to students instead of expecting students to find breakfast, led to a 56% increase in participation. By prioritizing convenience and visibility, Bensenville effectively removed a major barrier to access.

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Child standing in a school music classroom holding drumsticks, with other children practicing percussion instruments and music equipment visible in the background.

The initiative

The district introduced two key strategies:

• Breakfast Carts, placed in high-traffic areas during arrival
• Second Chance Breakfast, offered later in the morning to align with older students’ routines and hunger patterns

Both strategies emphasized convenience, visibility, and student choice. Support from district administrators, principals, staff, and the Sodexo team helped build excitement and trust around the initiative.

Three children sitting outdoors together holding sandwiches, looking at their food while eating in a shaded area with trees and greenery visible in the background.

The results

The impact was substantial:

• 150 additional breakfasts served daily via mobile carts
• 1,100 additional breakfasts served through Second Chance tables
• Altogether, these changes translated to an over 800% increase in breakfast participation across middle and high schools

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and staff underscores the program’s sustainability and long-term value.

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Conclusion

Across all three districts, the data tells a consistent story: when schools make breakfast accessible, visible, and convenient, participation rises, and so does student readiness for the day ahead.

Whether through Grab-and-Go service, strategically placed breakfast carts, or Second Chance offerings, these districts demonstrate that targeted, student-centered approaches can dramatically strengthen school nutrition programs.

Their success illustrates a scalable model for other districts looking to improve equitable access to breakfast and support student wellbeing.

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