Effects of a Breakfast in the Classroom Initiative on Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Low-Income, Ethnically Diverse Youth: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: School districts across the country have adopted breakfast in the classroom (BIC) initiatives as a means of increasing participation in the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Little is known regarding the impact of such programs on children’s weight status. This study sought to evaluate the impact of a BIC initiative on the combined incidence of overweight/obesity among urban school aged children. Design: Cluster-randomized controlled trial with matched school pairs. Intervention schools received the “One Healthy Breakfast” program included BIC, nutrition-education, social marketing, corner store marketing, and parent outreach, while control schools continued to serve breakfast in the cafeteria Baseline data were collected in October-December, 2013, with midpoint and endpoint data collected in May-June 2015 and May-June 2016 respectively. Schools were matched based on school size, food service type, and racial/ethnic composition. Setting/Participants: 1371 4th-6th grade studen