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FAQ on Breakfast in the Classroom

How do I report concerns or issues about Breakfast in the Classroom?

Fill out our UFT Request for Assistance form to submit concerns or issues about the Breakfast in the Classroom program (e.g.: moldy, expired or frozen food, rodents or other pests, etc.). Upon receipt, you will receive a confirmation email from a UFT Safety and Health representative who will share the matter with the Department of Education’s Office of SchoolFood. SchoolFood will notify the principal and send a representative to investigate and resolve the concern(s) or issue(s). The UFT will send you a follow-up email containing SchoolFood’s findings.

NOTE: Your name and contact information will not be shared with the administrative, supervisory or managerial personnel in the DOE without your approval.

How can my school request training for CPR/AED for the Breakfast in the Classroom program?

School principals may request Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) training for teachers, designated staff and volunteers. The DOE recommends each school have a minimum of six CPR/AED-trained responders to ensure coverage during all school-day hours of operation. The DOE provides each school with a CPR/AED training class, at no cost, for up to 12 school-based staff. CPR/AED certifications are valid for two years and must be renewed in order to maintain compliance. The principal may request additional training for school staff when there is a programmatic need, such as Breakfast in the Classroom. You should direct questions about CPR/AED training to your school principal.

How can my school request training on Breakfast in the Classroom?

School principals may request a staff orientation from their onsite SchoolFood manager, who will coordinate training on a professional development day designated by the principal. You should direct questions about the scheduling of a Breakfast in the Classroom orientation training for staff to your principal.

How can we implement Breakfast in the Classroom without losing instructional time?

The DOE’s Division of Teaching and Learning’s, Office of Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Learning developed an online activity guide with recommendations on how to integrate meaningful instruction during Breakfast in the Classroom.

What is the bubble-sheet scanning system for Breakfast in the Classroom?

ATS printer/scanners and bubble-sheet rosters are being used to record meals served for Breakfast in the Classroom. The bubble-sheet rosters are replacing the ATS Report of Meal Eligibility Accountability or point-of-sale rosters that currently are being used by schools for the program. Instead of the daily tallying, school staff will now scan the bubble sheets one time at the end of the week, which will ensure accountability is accurate and reduce the likelihood of students taking two meals.

Can our school opt out of the Breakfast in the Classroom program?

Only District 75 schools may opt out of the program.

What delivery options are available to implement Breakfast in the Classroom in our school?

SchoolFood provides three delivery options from which principals choose:

  • Traditional transporter-bag delivery
    • Transporter bags are delivered by SchoolFood staff who place the bags outside the door of each classroom. Children entering their classrooms may select breakfast items from these bags.
    • Transporter bags are labeled with each classroom number to ensure that each class receives the correct food items.
    • Deliveries are made approximately 15 minutes before the beginning of the school day.
  • Traditional Grab & Go delivery
    • SchoolFood staff sets up Grab & Go stations as determined by the principal in consultation with the School Food Service Manager, within 15 minutes before the start of the school day.
    • Children may pick up a packaged breakfast on the way to their classroom, where they will eat the breakfast.
  • Grab & Go Hybrid delivery
    • This two-part delivery option is available at eligible Breakfast in the Classroom schools where the doors open to the community 30 minutes or more before the school day begins.
    • This option gives children arriving early the opportunity to eat a Breakfast in the Classroom meal in the cafeteria, while children arriving closer to or after the time class begins eat in their classroom.
    • NOTE: School eligibility for this delivery option is based on adequate kitchen space, electricity and other facility-specific factors.

How can I request cleaning supplies for the Breakfast in the Classroom program?

Contact your SchoolFood onsite staff for additional cleaning supplies or send your request to the UFT, which will follow up with SchoolFood. The cleaning supplies SchoolFood provides are:

  • Clear plastic bags 8”x 3”x 15”
  • Utensils – spoons, sporks, etc.
  • Brown paper towels
  • Clear can liners
  • Disposable gloves (distributed upon request)
  • "Boat" paper plates (distributed upon request)

How do teachers deal with food allergies?

The DOE cannot guarantee a nut, milk or other allergen-free school environment or food service because the risk of accidental exposure is always present. Inform your nurse if you learn that a child in your class has allergies. The nurse will check whether the child’s parent has completed the necessary allergy forms. To implement requisite safety protocols, the nurse will create an Allergy Response Plan for each child with the assistance of SchoolFood, the principal and the child’s teacher. The DOE food-allergy policy is available online.

Is “hot” food served as part of the BIC program?

In BIC schools that are both eligible to receive a menu containing "hot" food items and where the principal has chosen this menu, SchoolFood will serve a "Breakfast in the Classroom Combo Menu" containing "hot" food items. Breakfasts include two grain components and fruit every day. Students may also request cereal and milk on any day as well.

Is it possible to request changes to BIC menu items?

The principal may submit written requests pertaining to changes in the menu options for consideration and approval. Speak with your school principal about menu item change requests.

Is there a recycling component to the BIC program?

BIC program is aligned with the DOE and NYC Department of Sanitation commitment to increase recycling and decrease contamination of recyclables and compostables, resulting in less waste generated in our schools overall. At BIC schools that are part of the Zero Waste initiative, sorting of the waste is performed by SchoolFood staff to ensure the dual recycling streams and organics are properly disposed. Additional information about the Zero Waste initiative may be found at this link.

How does SchoolFood track and ensure that students do not take two breakfasts in schools participating in the BIC hybrid delivery option?

Students are directed by SchoolFood staff and school administrators to take only one breakfast.

Is there any other information available about the BIC program?

For additional information about the BIC program, access the BIC Toolkit.