The latest Maryland School Breakfast Report reveals a significant decline in the number of students receiving school breakfasts post-COVID-19, with tens of thousands fewer children being served compared to previous years. The end of pandemic-era waivers, which had allowed schools to provide free meals to all students, has led to a substantial reduction in meal participation.
Following the expiration of these waivers two years ago, schools reverted to a tiered system of free or reduced-price meals based on household income. As a result, despite a slight increase in the student population, the 2022-23 school year witnessed a dramatic decrease in the average number of breakfasts and lunches served daily. Specifically, there was a decline of nearly 39,000 breakfasts and 65,000 lunches compared to the 2020-21 school year.
LaMonika Jones, interim director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, highlighted the impact of reduced meal availability on student performance in the classroom. "It's challenging for a student at any age to sit in the classroom and focus on what the teacher is trying to share when they're hungry," Jones explained. She acknowledged concerns that meal programs might detract from instructional time but emphasized that hunger is an even greater distraction for students.
The report underscores the broader impact, showing that the total number of breakfasts served statewide fell by over 6.5 million in 2022 compared to the previous year. Several barriers to school breakfast participation were identified, including cost, time constraints, and the stigma associated with receiving free meals.
One key solution to these challenges is the Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) program. This state-funded initiative allows schools with at least 40% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals to offer free breakfast to all students. Unlike traditional school breakfasts, which are served in the cafeteria before class, MMFA provides more flexible options.
Jones elaborated on the benefits of MMFA, noting that it caters to different age groups and needs. "Our students are able to either have 'grab and go' style, which works really well for our older students, or for our little ones, we're able to have breakfast in the classroom," she said. The program's alternative models, coupled with adequate funding, ensure that more students have access to nutritious meals.
Participation in the MMFA program has increased significantly, with 588 schools taking part this past year, up from 485 in 2019. This growth indicates a positive trend toward addressing the issue, although the overall decline in meal participation remains a concern.
The Maryland School Breakfast Report highlights the importance of accessible meal programs in promoting student well-being and academic success. As schools and policymakers seek to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, finding sustainable solutions to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals remains a priority.
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