Natoshia M Askelson1, Elizabeth H Golembiewski2, Ann Bobst3, Patti J Delger4, Carrie A Scheidel4. 1. University of Iowa, Department of Community & Behavioral Health, Public Policy Center, 145 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1192. 2. Indiana University, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, 1050 Wishard Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46202. 3. State Health Access Data Assistance Center, University of Minnesota, 2221 University Avenue SE, Suite 345, Minneapolis, MN 55414. 4. Iowa Department of Education, 400 East 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The National School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded program that allows states to offer nutritious breakfast to K-12 students. However, rates of SBP participation are low in some rural states, and the reasons are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to explore administrators' perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs related to the SBP, and factors they identify as barriers or facilitators to increased participation. METHODS: Data were collected from a cross-sectional, online survey of K-12 school administrators (N = 152) in a rural, midsized Midwestern state fielded over an academic year. Descriptive statistics were calculated and open-ended questions were coded and analyzed for relevant themes. RESULTS: Administrators identified busing schedules, time constraints, and a lack of flexibility within the school schedule to accommodate breakfast as primary structural barriers to SBP participation. Administrators described family-centered norms as reasons for low participation in rural areas. Administrators are at varying stages of readiness to work on improving participation. CONCLUSIONS: Low SBP participation can be explained in part by a convergence of factors related to access, community norms, and structural barriers. Results may be used to inform ways in which administrators at the state, district, and school level can work to increase participation.
BACKGROUND: The National School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded program that allows states to offer nutritious breakfast to K-12 students. However, rates of SBP participation are low in some rural states, and the reasons are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to explore administrators' perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs related to the SBP, and factors they identify as barriers or facilitators to increased participation. METHODS: Data were collected from a cross-sectional, online survey of K-12 school administrators (N = 152) in a rural, midsized Midwestern state fielded over an academic year. Descriptive statistics were calculated and open-ended questions were coded and analyzed for relevant themes. RESULTS: Administrators identified busing schedules, time constraints, and a lack of flexibility within the school schedule to accommodate breakfast as primary structural barriers to SBP participation. Administrators described family-centered norms as reasons for low participation in rural areas. Administrators are at varying stages of readiness to work on improving participation. CONCLUSIONS: Low SBP participation can be explained in part by a convergence of factors related to access, community norms, and structural barriers. Results may be used to inform ways in which administrators at the state, district, and school level can work to increase participation.