The Meramec Valley R-III School District is seeing positive early results from a pilot study offering Second Chance Breakfast at Pacific Intermediate School, with increased student participation since the program began.
The pilot launched in mid-December 2025 and is currently ongoing at Pacific Intermediate. Through the program, students who miss traditional breakfast service have an additional opportunity to eat a nutritious meal after the school day begins. Second Chance Breakfast is distributed by kitchen staff between first and second periods, allowing students to participate without missing instructional time.
Since the start of the pilot, an average of 60 additional students have been eating breakfast each day, according to district officials.
“We know that a student’s hunger doesn’t always follow a school bell,” said Principal Mr. Matt Agee. “By offering a second-chance breakfast, we’re ensuring that every child has the fuel they need to focus and succeed, no matter what their morning looked like before they arrived.”
Meramec Valley R-III School District began offering free breakfast to all students in August 2024, a move aimed at removing barriers to access and supporting student well-being. The Second Chance Breakfast pilot builds on that effort by reaching students who may arrive at school after the traditional breakfast period.
District administrators will continue to monitor participation and gather feedback from students and staff as the pilot continues. The information will help determine whether Second Chance Breakfast could be expanded to additional schools in the district.