Welcome to Season 3, Episode 6
In this special Research Unboxing episode of “School Food for Thought,” hosts Keith Rushing and Dr. Marjuyua Lartey Gibson dive into the impact of school breakfast programs on students’ health and well-being. Joining them is Kelsey Anderson, a master’s student at Brigham Young University, who shares her groundbreaking research on elementary students’ perceptions of breakfast in the classroom.
The episode explores how an educational video intervention positively influenced students’ attitudes, emphasizing the role of breakfast in boosting energy and well-being. Through engaging discussions and insightful findings, Keith, Dr. Lartey Gibson, and Kelsey reveal how small changes in messaging can create lasting impacts on students’ nutrition habits.
Tune in to discover how educational tools and research are shaping a healthier future for students—one breakfast at a time!
Host: Keith Rushing, PhD, RD (JCNM Editor); Marjuyua Lartey Gibson, PhD, RDN (ICN representative to the Nutrition and Research Committee)
Speakers: Kelsey Anderson (co-author of “A Qualitative Analysis of Elementary Education Student’s Perceptions of Breakfast in the Classroom Before and After an Educational Video Intervention”)
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Highlights from the “School Food for Thought” Podcast
How do we shift perceptions to make breakfast in the classroom a staple in schools? Research shows that education plays a critical role in influencing attitudes and behaviors. In this episode of “School Food for Thought,” Keith Rushing and Dr. Marja Gibson are joined by Kelsey Anderson, a graduate student at Brigham Young University, to discuss her groundbreaking study on the impact of educational interventions on perceptions of breakfast in the classroom.
Kelsey’s research offers actionable insights for child nutrition professionals and educators on how to promote breakfast programs effectively while addressing logistical challenges and social stigma.
Key Research Insights
- Knowledge Transforms Attitudes
Educational interventions, such as a five-minute video used in Kelsey’s study, showed a significant shift in participants’ perceptions. Elementary education majors who initially felt unprepared for breakfast in the classroom gained confidence and readiness after learning about its benefits.
Actionable Advice:
- Create engaging, informative materials to educate future educators and students about the value of breakfast programs.
- Offer training sessions that address common misconceptions and concerns.
- Tackling Logistics and Routine
Logistical challenges like potential messiness or disruptions often deter teachers from adopting breakfast in the classroom. Kelsey’s research found that establishing clear routines can help overcome these concerns.
Actionable Advice:
- Develop step-by-step guidelines to simplify implementation.
- Provide ongoing support to teachers, including resources and tips for managing logistics.
- Reducing Stigma Through Inclusion
Traditional school breakfast programs can carry a stigma, discouraging participation. Breakfast in the classroom eliminates this barrier by creating a more inclusive environment for all students.
Actionable Advice:
- Promote the inclusive benefits of breakfast in the classroom in your messaging.
- Engage parents and the community to foster a positive perception of the program.
Key Takeaways for Child Nutrition Professionals
- Educate Stakeholders: Use videos, presentations, or other materials to inform educators and parents about the benefits of breakfast programs.
- Customize Solutions: Adapt materials and implementation plans to fit the needs of different schools and communities.
- Collaborate: Work with educators, parents, and community partners to build support for breakfast in the classroom.
- Monitor and Adjust: Collect feedback and continuously refine your approach to maximize effectiveness.
The Path Forward
Kelsey’s research highlights the power of education in changing perceptions and driving adoption of breakfast programs. By addressing logistical concerns, reducing stigma, and engaging key stakeholders, schools can create healthier and more inclusive environments for students.
Ready to explore these insights further? Watch the full episode to hear Kelsey’s findings and gain inspiration for bringing breakfast in the classroom to your schools.
