School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: CDC

Date Published: October 2024

Reference: 

Sliwa, S. A., Merlo, C. L., McKinnon, I. I., Self, J. L., Kissler, C. J., Saelee, R., & Rasberry, C. N. (2024). Skipping breakfast and academic grades, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and school connectedness among high school students—Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Supplements, 73(Suppl. 4), 1–8. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/su/su7304a10.htm

Key Takeaways: 

Most students skipped breakfast at least once in the past 7 days, and 18% reported skipping it daily. Daily breakfast skipping was associated with lower school connectedness, lower academic performance, and more frequent reports of poor mental health symptoms. Family influences, including meal availability and role modeling, can support breakfast consumption, though this may not be feasible in all households, while alternative school breakfast models may improve participation and attendance.

Future research should examine whether strategies such as Healthy School Meals for All and alternative service models improve students’ connectedness, academic outcomes, and mental health, and whether impacts vary by student characteristics. These findings can inform parents, schools, and partner organizations in efforts to increase breakfast consumption.