In partial response to poverty, food insecurity, and other risk factors believed to adversely impact academic achievement, school districts have begun to implement the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) program. While research identifies health, nutrition, and achievement-related benefits of school meal programs, few studies focus on leaders' perceptions of the BIC program. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of district and school leaders on the BIC program implemented in their schools, as well as to examine their recommendations for long-term program success.

This case study employed Bolman and Deal's framework through which structural, human resources, political, and symbolic aspects of the BIC program were examined at two elementary schools. Twelve participants were interviewed. Findings indicated that leaders perceived the BIC program to be a valuable social program with benefits that outweighed its flaws. They recommended the importance of school-site support, implementation differentiation, an improved menu, and the establishment of a food donation program or classroom food storage system to ensure BIC program success.