Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Breakfast Champion: Fran Gabbert, 60, has been an English Language Learners associate at Capri Elementary School for the past 12 years, but for some children she is better known as the 'Breakfast Lady.' For the past two years, Gabbert has been feeding breakfast to 20 to 30 children everyday, taking over when the school's breakfast program was cancelled.
Public Citizen
'Breakfast Lady' feeds hungry children
By Michelle C. Crowe
While Frances Gabbert is officially known as an English Language Learners associate at Capri Elementary School, she's also a yard-duty teacher, intervention associate and after-school jump-rope class coordinator. But for 15 to 30 children each weekday before school starts, she's someone even more important--the Breakfast Lady.
Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast daily perform better in school. Although Campbell Union School District had run a breakfast program, the chronic lack of participation district-wide made it financially unviable, and it was discontinued in 2000.
"In September 2000 I started bringing in milk and cereal. I'd previously purchased a fridge which I'd brought in for nursing parents who volunteered, so I had a place to keep milk and drinks," says the 60-year-old Gabbert. "Then, whenever there were unopened, unwanted milks, juices or fruits leftover at lunchtime, I would harvest them and store them here in my room."
But once the energy crisis hit, all personal appliances were removed to prevent district schools from going over budget with higher utility costs.
"Originally, I thought of buying an ice chest, but I was concerned about bacteria and lawsuits. Now I buy breakfast bars and fruits and juices that don't require refrigeration, although it was easier and cheaper with cereal and milk," she says. "I have some children who show up at 7 a.m. and come right in to eat, although most come from 7:15 on."
Although Principal Debbie Garcia and PTA President Karen Kane have been particularly supportive, some parents and teachers tell her, "It's the parents' responsibility," or, "I know that family can afford to feed that child."
"I'm not feeding someone based on that, although I do ask the children why they are eating in here. Of course, they can tell me any story they want to. The way I see it, they're coming in hungry by school time, we know hungry kids do poorly in school and tend to act out more, and that causes problems for all of the children," she says. "I'm not feeding them exactly what I'd like to, but they're getting nutrition to help them function. I do tell them if they take food they have to eat it, which makes them pick and choose better."
Still, without the refrigerator, her outreach is more difficult--and expensive.
"We still have kids coming in hungry, and Fran makes sure there's food for them every morning, and she's not being paid for her time or given money for supplies," Garcia says.
While Gabbert started with between 10 and 15 children, she now averages 20 to 30 children daily. Until asked, Gabbert hadn't even wanted to examine the cost. Yet when 30 children each receive a breakfast bar and drink, even if the food is purchased on sale, it totals at least $15 per day, or roughly $250 per month.
Kane has asked PTA members to contribute supplies to Gabbert's outreach when Safeway runs its "buy one, get one free" specials, which some parents have done. Ideally, she'd love to receive direct donations from grocery retailers, such as those in damaged boxes or other seconds.
To donate food or funds to support the program, contact Gabbert at 408.364.4260.
Campbell, California
