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Abstract:
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This study attempts to measure the linkages between participation in the School Breakfast Program and children's nutritional status. The effects of the School Breakfast Program are examined using short term indicators including total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol consumption and long term measures such as body mass index and likelihood of being overweight and at-risk for overweight. Analysis of data from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that students participating in the School Breakfast Program consume significantly less total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than non-participants. While school breakfast participants have lower BMIs and a lower likelihood of being classified as overweight or at-risk for overweight than non-participants, these relationships were not statistically significant. While participation in the School Breakfast Program appears to result in a healthier diet, additional research is required to address the effects of the School Breakfast Program on children's overweight status. |