Editor,
Have you heard of the Breakfast in the Classroom program at Eureka Springs Elementary? In my opinion, it’s bonkers.
The program, as I understand it, is funded in part by a grant from Midwest Dairy, our gracious milk suppliers. Breakfast is delivered at the start of each day not in the cafeteria, but in the actual classroom on most every student’s desk during instruction time. Teachers have the honor of managing mealtime distribution and clean up.
On Mondays and Thursdays breakfasts contain up to 76 grams of carbs, 50 g which are sugar. 50 g of sugar at breakfast on the desks of children as young as 4 years old. 50 g of sugar for breakfast is an obscene amount.
All parts of the meal are served on disposables creating heaps of trash. The district owns trays and utensils, so why purchase and feed essentially the entire student body on disposables?
Last week I spoke at length to the child nutritionist and the principal about the program. And twice emailed school board officers, but never heard back. This week I messaged the superintendent. While the principal agreed the offerings were appalling and even called the nutritionist to brainstorm ideas for next year, 22 g of that sugar comes from Midwest Dairy, and the nutritionist said she aimed for more prepackaged breakfast items next year.
The principal stated that this program would remain next year because it creates “a better energy” and “a more welcoming environment” than the “loud chaos” of the cafeteria. However, the cons of this program are numerous and consequential to the health and well being of the children of this community. Shouldn’t we expect more evidence-based support for the continuation of this program?
Amanda Cagle