Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC)
Utah law requires schools to provide an alternate breakfast service when 30% or more students qualify for free or reduced lunch. These schools must provide a method of serving breakfast to a student after the instructional day begins. This law ensures access to school meals after the bell but it does not provide additional funding to support free breakfast for all students.
For schools that qualify, the Child Nutrition Department continues to provide a Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) program to reach additional children without requiring a new funding source.
All students who attend a BIC school in the morning, regardless of income level, can receive one free breakfast each day they attend. The BIC program requires that each student is allowed time to enjoy a free, healthy breakfast with their peers in a classroom setting at the start of the school day. Teachers may use this valuable instructional time to take a class roll, engage in social and emotional learning, or employ a variety of teaching strategies to improve student learning.
Breakfast in the Classroom Common Questions and Answers
1- What schools in the Salt Lake City School District can participate in the BIC program during SY'2024-2025?
Backman, Edison, Escalante, Franklin, Liberty, Meadowlark, Mountain View, North Star, Parkview, and Rose Park Elementary.
2- How long will the BIC program last?
The BIC program will run from the first scheduled day of school through the end of the school year.
3- Is each student required to take a school breakfast?
No. Receiving a school breakfast is an individual choice and not a requirement.
4- Where must my child go in the morning to receive a breakfast?
At each location, school hours and bell schedules will remain unchanged. Students will be instructed where to assemble in the morning where adult supervision is provided. Each student will have the opportunity to pick up their meal before proceeding directly to their assigned classroom. Due to building overcrowding and student safety concerns, we ask all parents to quickly exit the building after dropping off their children at school.
5- What are the new breakfast service hours at each school?
Each school will provide detailed information to their school community.
6- Will the BIC program provide a free lunch to all students who attend the school?
No. School lunch is not included as part of the BIC program. Students will continue to eat their lunch in the school cafeteria as normal. Student accounts will be charged the regular student price for a school lunch, unless the student qualifies for free and reduced meal benefits or the school qualifies as a CEP program site.
7- Should I apply for free and reduced meal benefits if my student attends a BIC program school?
YES. The school district relies entirely upon federal funding to cover the cost of the BIC program. Annual free and reduced meal benefit applications or individual direct certification through Utah government agencies is still recommended.
Additional Information can be found on the document below labeled: BIC - Common Questions & Concerns
If you happen to have any further questions or concerns, feel free to give our office a call: 801-974-8380