Eos provides technical assistance and one-time grant awards up to $10,000 to eligible Massachusetts schools/districts and charter public schools eager to make breakfast part of their school day by launching or expanding ATB programming. Districts can request district-wide grants. Schools we fund are asked to set a goal for 80% breakfast participation via their ATB delivery model for two reasons: (1) to meet the nutritional needs of children from low-income households, and (2) to support nutrition department operations and its bottom line.
We understand that each school building is unique in its lay-out and culture. Our funds can be used for equipment and operational costs as well as incentives to help the school culture embrace ATB breakfast programming. Our technical assistance consultants include superintendents and nutrition directors who have experience implementing successful, high-participation ATB programs, as well as others who have worked closely with districts on change management. Our goal is to offer a menu of supports from which to choose, and provide districts what they need, when they need it.
ATB Breakfast Models
There are several models which have been shown to achieve 80% participation, including Delivered to the Classroom (D2C) and Grab and Go to the Classroom. While most Grab and Go models average 40-50% participation, the Chicopee Model has been reaching 90% of students.
For middle and high schools with block schedules, we suggest districts consider the Springfield Model, which creates a 10-minute advisory period at the beginning of the school day, so they can run D2C. Another option for block schedules is the Salem Model, which uses a Grab and Go as students enter the building followed by a Second Chance breakfast between 2nd and 3rd periods. Salem sees 40% of kids take the Grab and Go when they enter the building and another 40-50% take the Second Chance later for a total 80%+ participation rate.
Take a look at our School Breakfast Models video to learn more about two high participation models, more will be shared as we film them.
Grant Application Dates and Deadlines
While the coronavirus has placed this Initiative on hold, Eos remains committed to expanding successful ATB programming. Contact Magdalena Punty at punty@eosfoundation.org or 508-430-8130 with questions.