PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new policy in the Philadelphia School District has breakfast being served after the morning bell rings.
According to the district, more kids are eating as a result.
The new “Breakfast After the Bell” policy took effect on Oct. 5. The district’s executive director in the Office of Food Services, Lisa Norton, said it helps give students who aren’t able to get to school before the bell a chance to eat.
Superintendent Tony Watlington sat down with students at Potter-Thomas this morning as they ate at their desks to bring attention to the new policy, which only around 36% of students take advantage of district-wide.
However, Norton said the participation rate at Potter-Thomas Elementary in Fairhill increased from 19% to 70% in the last month.
“Some students weren’t able to get to school before the bell to have breakfast,” she said. “This now allows every student the option.”
Overall, the district has seen around a 4% increase in “Breakfast After the Bell” participation since Oct. 5.
The event comes after students at Olney High complained to City Council last week about food quality.
Norton said the district does hold an annual student taste test: “We do engage the students to make sure that we are giving them things, items that they want to eat.”
But she also noted that the district has to abide by federal regulations for fat, sodium and sugar.
District officials said the “Breakfast After the Bell” policy has seen a 4% increase in participation district-wide
District officials said the “Breakfast After the Bell” policy has seen a 4% increase in participation district-wide
