Maryland Meals for Achievement Classroom Breakfast Program

Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) is an innovative classroom breakfast project that started in Fall 1998 in several Maryland elementary schools. Participating schools offer school breakfast in the classroom each morning. No one pays to eat, regardless of family income.

Researchers from Harvard University have evaluated the project's impact on academics and behavior. They have found that classroom breakfast has a positive impact on Maryland School Performance Program (MSPAP) scores and grades. Researchers also credit classroom breakfast with improving student attendance by about two days per school year, decreasing tardiness and behavior problems, and increasing students' attention spans.

Who is eligible?

Under state law, any school that participates in the federal School Breakfast Program and has at least 40% of its enrollment approved for free or reduced-price meals can apply to become a Maryland Meals for Achievement school, provided that funding is available. For the 2009-2010 school year, the state budget includes $2.8 million for MMFA. This money will provide for the program in approximately 196 schools across Maryland.

School Participation Data

Classroom Breakfast Scores High in Maryland

Contact Information

Brenda Schwaab, Program Specialist

School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch
Maryland State Department of Education

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone:

(410) 767-0513

TTY/TDD:

(410) 333-6442

Fax:	(410) 333-2635/(410) 333-2619

Email:

bschwaab@msde.state.md.us