School Breakfast Program Awaits State Funding

Free and reduced-price breakfasts could soon be available to students at La Ballona Elementary School in Culver City if the state approves a program backed by the Culver City Unified School District board.

The district applied for a grant from the state Department of Education last month to fund a breakfast program and is awaiting its approval. James Crawford, the district’s director of business services, said word from the state is expected early next month.

If awarded, the $9,987 federal grant, which is administered by the state, would cover start-up costs, including purchase of kitchen equipment such as pots and pans, ovens, dishes and a freezer, Crawford said.

Costs of food and salaries and benefits for additional staff are not covered in the grant. The district, according to the education department guidelines, must cover those costs, estimated at about $10,000 through the end of June, if the program starts in January.

The district ended a breakfast program three years ago after incurring $100,000 in losses due to low participation, Crawford said. That program was administered from the kitchen at Culver City High School, which served as the district’s breakfast preparation hub. From there, meals were transported to other school sites.

The district decided to give the program another try after discussions among parents, teachers and administrators determined that a breakfast service was needed to improve student health.

Crawford said that if the district fails to break even at the end of the school year on the newly proposed breakfast program, “we’ll have to return the grant.”

At La Ballona Elementary, nearly half of the 484 students are eligible for free and reduced-price breakfasts. Principal Dale Petrulis said arrangements are being made with the district’s director of transportation to adjust bus schedules so students can arrive in time for the breakfast service. Breakfasts will also be served at each morning recess period for those unable to make the early service, she said.

Petrulis said the district hopes to ensure the success of the breakfast program by preparing low-cost foods that can be served and eaten quickly, such as pigs-in-a-blanket or other finger food-style meals.

Petrulis also said she plans to send letters to eligible families to encourage participation.

“We will follow up with phone calls,” she said. “The personal attention is important. Some kids and parents won’t ask for assistance, but you know they may need it.”