New Report Reveals Major Opportunities for Free School Meals in Massachusetts Schools

A New Dawn for Massachusetts Students: Breakfast in Classrooms

A recent report by the Eos Foundation presents an eye-opening opportunity for schools across Massachusetts to address a significant issue: the need for universal free meals for students. The analysis underscores the potential to expand the reach of free breakfast to an additional 303,000 students, which would, in turn, bring an additional $73 million in federal funding to support school meal programs. This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to combat hunger in K-12 public education.

The Breakfast Gap

The report reveals a notable disparity in meal participation rates among students. While approximately 595,000 students enjoy lunch in Massachusetts schools every day, only around 292,000 of them are served breakfast. This results in a staggering 'breakfast gap' of 303,000 students who miss out on crucial morning nourishment. Understanding this gap is essential, especially when considering state legislation enacted in 2023, which enabled free school meals for all K-12 students—an opportunity that could significantly reduce child hunger.

According to Andrea Silbert, President of the Eos Foundation, the implementation of Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) is a critical strategy to bridge this gap. She notes, "Feeding children breakfast is absolutely critical, especially for low-income students who derive up to 50% of their daily calories from school meals. By implementing BIC, we can ensure that more students start their day ready to learn."

Importance of Breakfast for Learning

The role of breakfast in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere cannot be overstated. Governor Maura Healey reiterates this sentiment, stating, "We want our students to focus on learning, not on where their next meal will come from. While we have made progress with free school meals, we know there is more work to do to encourage greater student participation in breakfast programs."

Trends in Breakfast Participation

The report highlights troubling trends, particularly in high-poverty schools—defined as those where a majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Participation rates for breakfast in these schools have dropped alarmingly from 58% in 2019 to just 48% in 2025. The data suggests that if these schools achieved an 80% breakfast participation rate, the state could gain an estimated $73 million annually in federal reimbursements from the USDA, funds that schools could desperately use amidst rising costs of food and labor.

Springfield Schools Setting an Example

One shining example of success is the Springfield Public Schools, which adopted BIC across the district, including in high schools. Their participation in breakfast skyrocketed from 44% in 2015 to an impressive 84% in 2025. Springfield's increased breakfast participation not only benefits the students but also allows the district to secure higher federal reimbursements, which are reinvested into school programs.

Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, Secretary of Education, emphasizes, "Springfield serves as a model by meeting children where they are, ensuring high breakfast participation, and incorporating local produce into meals. All the students I met during my visit were engaged, happy, and enjoying their meals."

Financial Aid for Schools

To further support the transition of breakfast services to in-class settings, the Eos Foundation is offering grants of up to $20,000 per school. This initiative aims to facilitate the necessary changes to drive participation and engagement.

Call to Action

The report outlines specific actions for superintendents, school principals, and educators:
1. Implement BIC district-wide.
2. Visit existing BIC schools to observe effective implementation.
3. Introduce short counseling or class periods in secondary schools to accommodate breakfast.
4. Engage parents and community volunteers to support these initiatives.
5. Review participation rates at both district and school levels to foster improvement.

About the Eos Foundation

Established in 2013, the Eos Foundation is a private charitable organization dedicated to ending hunger in Massachusetts through systemic solutions. The Foundation has supported numerous schools with BIC startup grants and annually recognizes schools that achieve over 80% breakfast participation rates with its Healthy Start Awards. This initiative aims to create lasting changes that enable children to start their day nourished and ready to excel in their educational endeavors.

If you would like more information or to get involved, please reach out to Neeve Prendergast at [email protected] or call 617-820-8594.