The effect of breakfast after the bell on student academic achievement

Abstract

Many schools are adopting breakfast after the bell (BAB) in an effort to expand opportunities to participate in school breakfast. Improved nutrition may lead to better academic achievement, but BAB may also cut into instruction time. Using the synthetic control method, we find little evidence of positive or negative effects on test scores. These findings cannot be explained by the lack of an effect on breakfast participation nor by increases in school attendance. Student behavior improves after BAB adoption, which may offset interference with instruction time. Overall, BAB can be incorporated into the school day without adversely impacting academic achievement.