School Lunch Program Participation Research Articles

Effects of informational nudges on preordered food choices of middle school National School Lunch Program participants

AbstractWe examine the effects of own order history, peer order history, and MyPlate nudges received by middle‐school National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants while preordering on the selection of fruits and vegetables. Students receiving own order history nudges were significantly less likely to select a vegetable during the postintervention phase. Students who received peer order history nudges were significantly less likely to select a vegetable during the nudging and postintervention phases, suggesting that receiving information on peer selection negatively impacted the selection of vegetables. The MyPlate recommendations nudge may mitigate the negative effects of receiving peer selection information.

USDA Summer Meals Program: Lack of Program Awareness Contributes to Unmet Need Among Nonparticipants.

Participation in the US Department of Agriculture's summer meals program is consistently lower compared to National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participation, even though the programs target the same population of children. The purpose of this study was to elucidate reasons for participation and nonparticipation in the summer meals program. A nationally representative sample of 4688 households with children ages 5 through 18 years living near a summer meals site in 2018 completed a survey about their reasons for participation or nonparticipation in the summer meals program, features that would help nonparticipants to attend, and household food security status. Almost half of all households living near a summer meal site were food insecure (45%) and most (77%) had incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Most participant caregivers (74%) sent their children to summer meal sites for the free meals, while 46% of nonparticipant caregivers said they did not attend because they were unaware of the program. Despite a high level of food insecurity among all households, the most reported reason for not attending the summer meals program was unawareness of the program. These findings highlight a need for better program visibility and outreach.

Food Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents: Does Federal Nutrition Assistance Act as a Buffer?

Food insecurity has been associated with a variety of adverse outcomes in adolescents. However, further research is needed to elucidate whether adolescent self-report food insecurity contributes to depressive symptoms. This study examined the (1) association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms and (2) moderating role of federal nutrition assistance in a nonclinical sample of adolescents. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (N = 141) and one parent/guardian completed self-report questionnaires as part of 2 larger studies examining adolescent stress and eating behaviors. Adolescents (M age = 13.79 years, SD = 1.60, 53.9% female) completed measures of food insecurity and depressive symptoms. A bootstrapped linear regression model demonstrated that adolescent food insecurity was significantly, positively associated with depressive symptoms, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.19-1.64), after controlling for biological sex. Among dyads eligible for federal nutrition assistance (N = 64), the interaction between adolescent food insecurity and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participation did not reach significance, ΔF(1, 59) = 1.06, 95% CI (-3.80 to 9.29). The interaction between adolescent food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation trended toward significance, ΔF(1, 59) = 2.88, 95% CI (-5.73 to 0.47). Adolescents with food insecurity may be at a greater risk for experiencing elevated depressive symptoms. Whereas NSLP participation did not act as a buffer, SNAP participation may attenuate the association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to develop a greater understanding of factors that may alter the relationship between adolescent food insecurity and depressive symptoms.

The 2016 Presidential Election, the Public Charge Rule, and Food and Nutrition Assistance Among Immigrant Households.

Objectives. To investigate whether the 2016 US presidential election and the subsequent leak of a proposed change to the public charge rule reduced immigrant families' participation in food and nutrition assistance programs. Methods. We used nationally representative data on n = 57 808 households in the United States from the 2015-2018 Current Population Survey-Food Security Supplement. We implemented difference-in-difference-in-difference analyses to investigate whether the election and proposed rule change produced decreases in immigrant families' participation in food and nutrition assistance programs and whether such decreases varied according to state policy generosity toward immigrants. Results. Findings indicate significant and large decreases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, School Breakfast Program, and National School Lunch Program participation among immigrants in moderately generous states but no changes to receipt of food assistance from nongovernmental sources or to household food insecurity. Conclusions. Both anti-immigrant rhetoric and the perceived threat of policy enactment can be enough to produce chilling effects that have potentially serious implications for the health of immigrant households and thus the health of the nation. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(12):1738-1746. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307011).

Awareness of and Participation in School Food Programs in Youth from Six Countries

BackgroundSchool-based meal programs can promote healthy dietary intake in youth. However, limited data exist regarding the impact of income-targeted school meal programs across countries, particularly among food-insecure youth. ObjectivesWe examined self-reported awareness of and participation in free school meal programs, and associations with dietary intake in youth from 6 countries with differing national school meal policies. MethodsData were collected through the 2019 International Food Policy Study Youth Survey, a cross-sectional survey of 10,565 youth aged 10–17 y from Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Regression models examined: 1) country differences in awareness of and participation in breakfast and lunch programs; and 2) associations between lunch program participation and intake of fruit and vegetables, and “less healthy” foods during the previous school lunch day. ResultsAwareness of and participation in free breakfast and lunch programs varied across countries. Approximately half of USA and Chilean students participated in school lunch programs—the countries with the most comprehensive national policies—compared with one-fifth of students in the United Kingdom, and ∼5% in Australia, Canada, and Mexico (P < 0.001 for all contrasts). In the United States and Chile, more than two-thirds of youth with the highest level of food insecurity participated in lunch programs, compared with 45% in the United Kingdom, 27% in Canada, and ≤20% in Australia and Mexico. In all countries, youth reporting school lunch program participation were more likely to report fruit and vegetable intake during their previous school lunch (P < 0.001), and higher intake of “less healthy” food in all countries except the United States and Chile. ConclusionsMore comprehensive national policies were associated with greater participation in school meal programs, particularly among youth at greatest risk of food insecurity, as well as healthier dietary intake from school lunches.

Plate Waste Evaluation of Plant-Based Protein Entrees in National School Lunch Program

ObjectiveTo assess plate waste of plant-based protein entrees compared with regularly served meat-based entrees in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). DesignPlate waste data were collected before and after introducing the plant-based entrees, using digital photography and the quarter-waste method. ParticipantsNational School Lunch Program participants in grades 6–8. InterventionTwo newly developed plant-based protein entrees were introduced into the menu cycle by replacing 2 regularly served meat-based entrees. Main Outcome MeasureStudent plate waste of plant-based entrees compared with entrees regularly served in the NSLP meal pattern. AnalysisA total of 4,138 meal observations were analyzed. Ordinary least-squares regressions and 2-sample unpaired t tests were used to determine significant differences in waste. ResultsNational School Lunch Program participants wasted plant-based entrees more than all other entrees served during lunch. Students wasted all or none of the plant-based entrees more than partial servings. There were no significant differences in waste between demographic groups for the plant-based entrees. Conclusions and ImplicationsPlant-based entrees served as a part of the NSLP may lead to increased plate waste than meat-based entrees. Novel food pairings and visibility of legumes may have led to increased plate waste.

Adolescent-Reported Food Insecurity: Correlates of Dietary Intake and School Lunch Behavior.

Much of what is known about food insecurity (FI) experiences for young people is based on caregiver report. As such, our understanding of relationships between youth FI and dietary intake (DI) may be limited, particularly among adolescents who often eat away from home. This study examined relationships between youth-reported past-month FI, past-week DI, and school lunch behavior. Data are from middle and high school participants in the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 125,375), one of the longest-running youth surveys in the US. Logistic regression assessed relationships between FI and DI, including fruit, vegetable, milk, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), and fast food consumption, and school lunch behavior, adjusting for demographic, physical, and emotional health indicators. Past-month FI was associated with reduced odds of meeting minimum thresholds for daily fruit, vegetable, and milk intake, and increased odds of daily SSB and frequent fast food consumption. Among food-insecure students, no participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or NSLP participation uncertainty was associated with increased odds of skipping lunch. Findings suggest the importance of clinical and community innovations to prevent the loss of nutritional quality in favor of energy density for youth and families experiencing FI.

Racial Disparities in School Lunch Program Participation and Cigarette Use: Evidence from Arizona Youth Survey Data

Background: Cigarette and other tobacco product use among youth has become a serious public health issue in the United States. Thus, it is important to understand the social and contextural factors of cigarette use, especially for the young population. This study explores the relationship between participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and youth cigarettes use. Further, this study examines how this relationship differs across racial/ethnic groups. Methods: The 2016 Arizona Youth Survey (n = 34,373) data and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the association between NSLP participation (free and reduced-cost) and youth cigarette use, both lifetime and past 30-day smoking behaviors. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted to test the racial disparities in NSLP participation and cigarette use. Results: Results showed that free lunch participation was associated with significantly higher odds of youth cigarette use, both lifetime (OR = 1.25; p < .001) and in the past 30-days (OR = 1.14; p < .05). However, reduced-cost lunch participation was associated with significantly higher odds only for lifetime cigarette use (OR = 1.20; p < .01). Subgroup analyses revealed differences across the six racial/ethnic groups. White and Latinx youth showed a significant relationship between NSLP participation and lifetime cigarette smoking, whereas only Latinx youth showed a significant relationship between NSLP participation and past 30-day smoking. Implications: The findings suggest that intervention approaches to smoking cessation and prevention should be tailored to different racial/ethnic groups to account for their differences. Given the findings that youth (especially Latinxs) who participate in free and reduced-cost lunch programs are at a higher risk of using cigarettes than youth who do not, this study suggests that health intervention programs can enhance their reach and effectiveness by building partnerships with schools with sizable NSLP programs.

Economic Analysis of Local Food Procurement in Southwest Florida's Farm to School Programs

Farm-to-school (F2S) programs aim to educate people about food and farming, to increase the availability of fresh, nutritious foods, and to improve health outcomes among children. Nationally, all states have school districts that self-identify as farm-to-school program participants. National and regional food procurement systems account for the majority of food purchased by National School Lunch Program participants, but school foodservice authorities (SFA) who purchase food from farmers often do so in the context of strengthening their farm-to-school program (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA], n.d.-b). A greater number of local supply chain participants benefit when food is sourced in state (locally) rather than out-of-state because more money ends up in the pockets of local producers and distribu­tors. Local fruit and vegetable producers and SFAs interested in developing business partnerships for local procurement would benefit from recommen­dations on menu-appropriate fresh market prod­ucts, volume, and purchase prices. However, detailed data sets from SFAs are uncommon, limiting opportunities to advance procurement efforts. The objective for this project was to begin developing local procurement recommendations for other Florida school districts based on the purchasing history and experiences of the Sarasota County School District (SCSD). In 2014, Sarasota County, Florida, received a USDA F2S implementation grant, affording it the opportunity to develop its local procurement efforts. One deliverable from that project was a robust data set of school food purchases over a two-year period. With permission SCSD, we analyzed seasonal purchase variations and market prices of local and out-of-state fresh fruits, vege­tables, and egg purchases for 38 public schools in the SCSD. In this paper, we present an approach to estimate the potential of local procurement viability in the context of an emerging districtwide F2S program and recommend system changes based on the success of procurement efforts in SCSD and surrounding school districts in Southwest Florida.

Selection and consumption of lunches by National School Lunch Program participants

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to offer a variety of healthy food options each day. Using digital photography data collected from two suburban elementary schools in the spring of 2013, we examine NSLP participant's selection and consumption of all five NSLP lunch components ((1) milk, (2) vegetable, (3) fruit, (4) meat/meat alternate (MA), and (5) grain). We use logit regressions to analyze the selection of the various lunch components by race/ethnicity, gender, grade, and household income level. In addition, ordinary least squares regressions are used to analyze the selection and consumption of calories contained in the chosen lunch and by lunch component. Selection and consumption varied by race, ethnicity, gender, and eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. For example, black students consumed fewer calories than white students, black and Hispanic students consumed fewer calories from milk than white students, and free and reduced-price lunch eligible students consumed more calories from milk and fewer calories from grains. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, we determine that school lunches are an important part of school-day food intake for NSLP participants. These results provide guidance for making changes within a cafeteria's offerings to increase the selection of healthy foods.

Cafeteria assessment for elementary schools (CAFES): development, reliability testing, and predictive validity analysis

BackgroundStrategies to reduce childhood obesity and improve nutrition include creating school food environments that promote healthy eating. Despite well-documented health benefits of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, many U.S. school-aged children, especially low-income youth, fail to meet national dietary guidelines for FV intake. The Cafeteria Assessment for Elementary Schools (CAFES) was developed to quantify physical attributes of elementary school cafeteria environments associated with students’ selection and consumption of FV. CAFES procedures require observation of the cafeteria environment where preparation, serving, and eating occur; staff interviews; photography; and scoring.MethodsCAFES development included three phases. First, assessment items were identified via a literature review, expert panel review, and pilot testing. Second, reliability testing included calculating inter-item correlations, internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson-21 coefficients), and inter-rater reliability (percent agreement) based on data collected from 50 elementary schools in low-income communities and 3187 National School Lunch Program participants in four U.S. states. At least 43% of each participating school’s students qualified for free- or reduced-price meals. Third, FV servings and consumption data, obtained from lunch tray photography, and multi-level modeling were used to assess the predictive validity of CAFES.ResultsCAFES’ 198 items (grouped into 108 questions) capture four environmental scales: room (50 points), table/display (133 points), plate (4 points), and food (11 points). Internal consistency (KR-21) was 0.88 (overall), 0.80 (room), 0.72 (table), 0.83 (plate), and 0.58 (food). Room subscales include ambient environment, appearance, windows, layout/visibility, healthy signage, and kitchen/serving area. Table subscales include furniture, availability, display layout/presentation, serving method, and variety. Inter-rater reliability (percent agreement) of the final CAFES tool was 90%. Predictive validity analyses indicated that the total CAFES and four measurement scale scores were significantly associated with percentage consumed of FV served (p < .05).ConclusionsCAFES offers a practical and low-cost measurement tool for school staff, design and public health practitioners, and researchers to identify critical areas for intervention; suggest low- and no-cost intervention strategies; and contribute to guidelines for cafeteria design, food presentation and layout, and operations aimed at promoting healthy eating among elementary school students.

Sampling tomorrow's lunch today: Examining the effect of sampling a vegetable-focused entrée on school lunch participation, a pilot study.

School lunch programs are important pillars in the food system, as they impact children's health, local agriculture, and community food security. When offering a new lunch entrée that contains vegetables, schools must consider whether students will choose the new entrée to avoid low participation rates and decreased revenue. Previous research in marketing suggests that sampling (i.e. taste testing) can positively impact consumer choice. In terms of encouraging students to eat school lunch and particularly items that include vegetables, it is often assumed that sampling will help direct food choice to healthier items, but little research has investigated the impact of sampling on food choice in a school lunch environment. The objective of this research was to investigate in a pilot study whether providing samples of a vegetable-focused lunch entrée the day before it appeared on the school lunch menu increased National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participation. The study took place at a Vermont middle school in 2015. Four new vegetable-focused entrées were supplied over three consecutive months. During month two, the entrées were sampled at a middle school the day before they were offered for sale, and NSLP participation, as well as revenue was tracked over three months. Our results suggest that sampling may have a positive impact on NSLP participation rates and food service revenue, but that more research is needed to better assess how sampling can be utilized in the most efficacious way to promote NSLP participation and healthy eating patterns.

Impact of the 2010 US Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act on School Breakfast and Lunch Participation Rates Between 2008 and 2015.

To evaluate National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) participation over a 7-year period before and after the implementation of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), which required healthier school lunch options beginning in school year (SY) 2012-2013 and healthier school breakfast options beginning in SY2013-2014. Data were gathered from low-income, high-minority public schools in 4 New Jersey cities. We conducted longitudinal analyses of annual average daily participation (ADP) in school meals among enrolled students overall and among those eligible for free or reduced-price meals. We used linear mixed models to compare NSLP and SBP participation rates from SY2008-2009 to SY2014-2015. NSLP participation rates among students overall differed little across years (from 70% to 72%). SBP rates among enrolled students were stable from the beginning of the study period to SY2013-2014 and then increased from 52% to 59%. Among students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the ADP was lowest in SY2012-2013 (when the HHFKA was implemented) before rebounding. The HHFKA did not have a negative impact on school meal participation over time. Public Health Implications. The HHFKA-strengthened nutrition standards have not affected school meal participation rates. With time, students are likely to accept healthier options.

A Plate Waste Evaluation of the Farm to School Program

ObjectiveTo investigate the impacts of the Farm to School (FTS) Program on the selection and consumption of fruits and vegetables. DesignPlate waste data were recorded using the visual inspection method before and after implementation of the program. SettingSix elementary schools in Florida: 3 treatment and 3 control schools. ParticipantsA total of 11,262 meal observations of National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants in grades 1–5. InterventionThe FTS Program, specifically local procurement of NSLP offerings, began in treatment schools in November, 2015 after the researchers collected preintervention data. Main Outcome MeasuresThe NSLP participants' selection and consumption of fruits and vegetables. AnalysisData were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U and proportions tests and difference-in-difference regressions. ResultsThe NSLP participants at the treatment schools consumed, on average, 0.061 (P = .002) more servings of vegetables and 0.055 (P = .05) more servings of fruit after implementation of the FTS Program. When school-level fixed effects are included, ordinary least squares and tobit regression results indicated that NSLP participants at the treatment schools respectively consumed 0.107 (P < .001) and 0.086 (P < .001) more servings of vegetables, on average, after implementation of the FTS Program. Conclusions and ImplicationsLocal procurement positively affected healthy eating.

Effect of the Strong4Life School Nutrition Program on Cafeterias and on Manager and Staff Member Knowledge and Practice, Georgia, 2015.

The goal of the Strong4Life School Nutrition Program is to promote healthy eating in school cafeterias in Georgia by training school nutrition managers and staff members to implement changes in the cafeteria to nudge children to make healthier choices. The objective of our study was to evaluate program effect on (1) school nutrition manager and staff member knowledge of evidence-based strategies and their self-efficacy to make positive changes, (2) the school cafeteria environment, and (3) National School Lunch Program participation. We assessed changes in participant knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy by administering a survey before and after training (February-July 2015); a follow-up survey (3 school months posttraining) assessed changes in the cafeteria. A total of 842 school nutrition managers and staff members were trained and completed pre- and posttraining surveys; 325 managers completed the follow-up survey. We used cafeteria records from a subsample of the first schools trained (40 intervention and 40 control) to assess National School Lunch Program participation. From pretraining to posttraining, we found a significant increase in manager and staff member (n = 842) knowledge of strategies for enhancing taste perception through the use of creative menu item names (from 78% to 95%, P < .001) and understanding that food placement in the lunch line influences food selection (from 78% to 95%, P < .001), and in their self-perceived ability to influence the cafeteria environment (from 91% to 96%, P < .001). From pretraining to 3-month follow-up, managers (n = 325) reported increased use of evidence-based serving strategies: visibility (from 84% to 96% for placing healthy options in >2 locations, P < .001), convenience (from 63% to 84% for placing plain milk in front of other beverages, P < .001), sell (from 25% to 38% for branding healthy items with stickers, P < .001), price (from 17% to 27% for using bundle pricing to encourage sales, P < .001), and taste (from 77% to 85% for signage demonstrating the benefits of healthy eating, P = .01). National School Lunch Program participation did not change significantly. Training cafeteria managers and staff members in Smarter Lunchrooms Movement techniques may be an effective way to make changes in the school cafeteria environment to encourage healthier choices among students. Additional studies allowing time for more complex changes to be implemented are needed to assess the full effect of the program.

Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Behaviors and Beliefs of High School Soccer Players

For adolescent athletes (14–18 years), data on sport nutrition knowledge, behaviors and beliefs are limited, especially based on sex, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. High school soccer players (n = 535; 55% female; 51% White, 41% Latino; 41% National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participants (80% Latino)) completed two questionnaires (demographic/health history and sport nutrition). The sport nutrition knowledge score was 45.6% with higher scores in NSLP-Whites vs. NSLP-Latinos (p < 0.01). Supplement knowledge differed by sex (16% lower in females; p = 0.047) and race/ethnicity (33% lower in Latinos; p < 0.001). Breakfast consumption was 57%; females ate breakfast less (50%) than males (60%; p < 0.001); NSLP-participants ate breakfast less (47%) than non-NSLP (62%; p < 0.001). Supplement use was 46%, with Latinos using more supplements than Whites do (p = 0.016). Overall, 30% used protein shakes, with females using less than males (p = 0.02), while use was twice as likely in Latino vs. White (p = 0.03). Overall, 45% reported their nutrient requirements were different from non-athlete peers. Latinos were less likely (p = 0.03) to report that their diet met nutritional requirements, but more than twice as likely to report that nutritional supplements were necessary for training (p < 0.001). Adolescent athletes, especially females and Latinos, would benefit from sport nutrition education that enhances food selection skills for health and sport performance.

The case for school lunch: comparison of diet quality among National School Lunch Program Participants vs. Income‐Eligible Non‐Participants

The case for school lunch: comparison of diet quality among National School Lunch Program Participants vs. Income‐Eligible Non‐Participants

Food Security and Weight Status in Children: Interactions With Food Assistance Programs

It is unclear whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or National School Lunch Program (NSLP) participation modifies the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in children. Data were included for 4,719 children aged 9-17 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey between 2003-2004 and 2011-2012. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between household food security (full, marginal, low, and very low) and BMI percentile. Adjusted models were also stratified by SNAP and NSLP participation. There was no significant overall relationship between household food security and BMI percentile. In SNAP non-participants, there was no apparent overall relationship between BMI percentile and household food security. However, BMI percentile in children from households with low food security was significantly higher than that of children from fully food-secure households (risk difference [RD]=5.95, 95% CI=1.11, 10.80). Among SNAP participants, there was no significant relationship between household food security and BMI percentile. By NSLP participation category, there was a non-significant trend toward increasing BMI percentile with decreasing household food security in those reporting two or fewer (RD=1.75, 95% CI= -0.79, 4.29) and two to three (RD=1.07; 95% CI= -1.74, 3.89) lunches/week. There was no apparent relationship between household food security and BMI percentile in those reporting four or more lunches/week. Although the overall relationship between household food security and weight status in school-aged children was not statistically significant, there was some evidence that the relationship may differ by SNAP or NSLP participation, suggesting the need for more research.

Seasonal Difference in National School Lunch Program Participation and Its Impacts on Household Food Security.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is one of the most important food assistance programs in the United States to ensure children's food security and healthy development. Previous studies have offered mixed results and challenges in estimating the effects of program participation. This study assesses NSLP's effect on household food security using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). SIPP collects information on food security that covers four reference months, including both summer (June, July, August) and nonsummer months. The number of summer months in these four reference months varies by SIPP rotation group. These unique features allow this study to address the potential selection bias in the research of NSLP and food security by examining a seasonal difference in program participation. The analysis found that one more summer month in the reference period increases the difference in low food security rates by about 1.5 percentage points between recipients and nonrecipients eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Findings have important social work and health policy implications for increasing food security among low-income households with children.

Michigan Team Nutrition Boost Breakfast Initiative Increases Breakfast Participation

To encourage schools to increase the number of students participating in school breakfast. In 2013, a Michigan “First Fuel” Breakfast Challenge was issued to have at least 60% of National School Lunch Program participants also participate in the School Breakfast Program. In the 2008-2009 school year, only 42.5% school lunch participants participated in school breakfast. Michigan Team Nutrition sought to increase participation by implementing the following activities, convened statewide strategic partners; developed a http://boostbreakfast.com/ website, toolkit, and online training; conducted statewide “Boost Breakfast” trainings targeting over 800 food service professionals and school administrators; engaged students through a statewide Junior Chef Breakfast Competition; completed a portfolio of 20 success stories in video and print; and promoted successes through social networking websites. In 2015, the number of school breakfasts increased to 48.5 students for every 100 students in school lunch. A total of 1,076 schools were successful in increasing their breakfast participation to 60%. Of these, 406 schools not only met the challenge goal, but doubled their breakfast participation numbers or met 100% participation as well. Overall, this translated to an additional 3 million school breakfasts being served. Increasing statewide breakfast participation numbers is challenging. A multi-pronged, collaborative, school by school effort is required to increase participation. Other states should consider modifying Michigan Team Nutrition boost breakfast intervention materials found at http://boostbreakfast.com/ in order to promote breakfast participation.