SEIU Local 99 recently joined with the Los Angeles Fund for Public Education, a community organization, to bring a new program to LAUSD that will provide breakfast for more students and save cafeteria jobs. We took the lead in joining community partners to bring Breakfast in the Classroom to LAUSD because we recognize that, in these difficult economic times, we must reach out to organizations that share our commitment to quality education. By working together, we can find ways to secure student services and protect good jobs.
How Does It Work?
SEIU Local 99 members will pack meals in the cafeteria in temperature controlled bags and students will pick them up and deliver them to the classrooms. There is also a “Grab ‘n Go” service where Local 99 members will pack the meals and students will pick up a bag with breakfast on their way to class.
What are the benefits?
- Breakfast in the Classroom benefits students because more of them will start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Studies show that providing students with breakfast in the classroom leads to better eating habits, improved attendance, higher test scores, fewer tardies, and improved concentration on their studies.
- The program will save jobs because more cafeteria workers will be needed to prepare and pack the meals.
- For years, breakfast has been considered the “most important meal of the day” for student success. But LAUSD was only feeding a very small percentage of children who qualify for free or reduced breakfast. Under this new program, LAUSD’s Food Services program will receive millions of dollars in federal and state funds, more students will be served breakfast, hundreds of good food service jobs will be saved, and there will be a need for additional work hours.
- Our collaboration with the Los Angeles Fund for Education was crucial. They help fund experts and resources needed to implement this program that ensures millions of dollars to our cafeterias each year.
How Will It Be Implemented?
Breakfast in the Classroom will be phased-in at LAUSD schools over several years. The program is starting its first phase this school year (2012-13) at 267 schools and will be in an estimated 676 schools by May 2015, bringing an additional $12.5 million per year to food services.
Click here to find out when the program will be implemented in your school. Scroll down to the box that says “Resources” and click on “Year 1, 2 or 3.”
More Questions?
If you have questions about Breakfast in the Classroom, please contact SEIU Local 99’s Member Resource Center at 213-637-0296.
