Alternative school breakfast service models provide meals to students through a distribution method different from traditional cafeteria service, removing various obstacles that can prevent students from accessing school breakfast. The most effective alternative breakfast models allow students to eat their meal after the official start of school day, commonly known as “breakfast after the bell." These models may include breakfast in the classroom, grab and go breakfast, or breakfast after first period.

The 2022 Appropriations Act provides $1.074 million in state funds for the operation of alternative school breakfast service models implemented in the 2022-2023 school year. To receive funds, schools must have more than 45 percent of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals. State reimbursement of five cents ($0.05) in elementary schools and ten cents ($0.10) in secondary schools per reimbursable meal served was allotted to each approved school in a division (see Appendix A for language from the 2022 Appropriations Act).

As is required by Item 137, Paragraph C.28.c.3), Chapter 1, 2023 Special Session I Acts of Assembly, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) collected required data from schools receiving funding for the alternative breakfast service model in program year 2022-2023.