How to Start an Organic Breakfast Program in Your School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to start an organic breakfast program at your school? You’re in the right place! With growing concerns about the quality of school food, more districts are looking for simple, affordable ways to offer students cleaner meals. We’re not just here to help—we created the first-ever USDA organic, school-compliant cereals: Monarch Magic and Choco Chimps. Because kids deserve breakfast that’s both classroom-approved and delicious.

Why Schools Are Reimagining Breakfast

Four years ago, California became the first state to offer free breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students, regardless of income. More states, such as Colorado and Vermont have since followed. These programs offer more flexibility and funding for schools to implement higher nutrition standards for students. The science backs it up too: students who eat breakfast consistently have higher test scores, better memory, and stronger focus throughout the day.

Here’s the catch: even though USDA school nutrition guidelines must be met for all schools, there are still grey areas that allow ultra-processed foods to be served! These foods often contain additives such as maltodextrin and dextrose, which can spike blood sugar and result in swift energy crashes.

To eliminate exposure to artificial additives and pesticides and give students a better start to their day, choose organic!

Step 1: Start Simple with a Switch to Organic Cereal

Is your district new to organic? Start with a simple menu switch that doesn’t interrupt kids’ usual taste and preferences. Our cereal formula has been tested by hundreds of kids to ensure a similar taste and crunch to cereals they know and love.

Nature’s Path K-12 compliant breakfast cereal is the first of its kind in the school space – our bulk serving method helps to minimize plastic waste and packaging, plus keep the cost affordable for schools.

• 100% whole grain, gluten-free, & organic
• Meet USDA K-12 sugar requirements
• Kid-tested & approved
• Affordable
• Easy to serve

Step 2: Connect with Organic Partners

You’re not doing this alone! There are amazing resources and organizations that can help make your switch easier:

· Conscious Kitchen – connects nutrition leaders with local farmers for purchasing and procurement 

· Organic Trade Association – find organic farmers and suppliers near you

· Regional farm-to-school programs

Step 3: Try it Out! Risk-Free!

Not convinced your students will spring for the organic alternative? Try it out – no strings attached!

Our 1-Day Breakfast Experience is available to districts in northern and southern California:

• We bring our bulk cereal dispenser, World Centric no-tree bowls, and cereal to a school of your choice.
• Students have the chance to taste and try the cereal during your regular breakfast window
• We handle set-up, serving, and cleanup.
• You get real-time feedback from students and staff

Work with a high volume of students? Our dispensers make it easy to pre-pour bowls in 1 or 2 ounce servings, preventing congested lines at breakfast or snack time.

Step 4: Place Your First Order

With several different ways to order, we make it easy for schools to get started.

• Northern California: Order through Sysco: #7312173 and #7312410
• Los Angeles & surrounding area: Order through Clearbrook Farms. Contact Ryan Molnar at ryanm@clearbrookfarms.net
• Nationwide: Order direct via our school breakfast site — no order minimum. Via credit card. If you’d prefer paying via ACH please reach out to us via email!
• Bulk Orders: Order direct from us by the pallet via PO.
• DOT Foods item codes: #791617 and #791584

Contact Gary Grijalva at Ggrijalva@naturespath.com for personalized support regarding ordering, setup, and pricing.

 

Sources: 

https://www.schoolmealsforall.org/

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/he/nfbmpbreakfast.asp

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Breakfast-for-Learning.aspx