Picture: Hopkins County Schools/Facebook
After the school day kicks off, students across Hopkins County Schools now get a special call—“Second Chance Breakfast!” That’s their cue to grab a healthy breakfast, even if they missed it before class. School officials say the program started last fall as a pilot at Browning Springs Middle School and quickly proved a hit, sparking a district-wide rollout.
Here’s how it works: breakfast is served as usual in the cafeteria before school, but once the first bell rings, staff roll out breakfast stations where students can pick up a breakfast bag and take it to the classroom. Browning Springs Principal Michael Griffin says this has made a big difference, with over 70 percent of their students now starting the day with a nutritious meal. Officials say teachers and principals alike have noticed the benefits—not only are more kids eating breakfast, but behavior and focus have improved, too.
According to school officials, Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming made “Second Chance Breakfast” his first project in office because, as he puts it, students must have their basic needs met before they can learn. Food Service Director Scott Moore says breakfast participation is up as much as 20 percent across the district, with some schools seeing nearly three-quarters of students taking part.
And officials say the program’s popularity keeps rising: seven schools are on board now, with the rest joining after spring break. Officials add that the best part is every student in the district receives breakfast free of charge, making mornings easier for busy families and ensuring every child is prepared to start the school day ready to learn.
Officials say the goal is simple: with warm options like breakfast pizza or chicken biscuits, they want to keep students energized, focused, and ready to succeed in the classroom. Thanks to Second Chance Breakfast, Hopkins County Schools is making sure no student starts their day hungry.
