The School Breakfast Program requires providing what fraction of the RDA for protein?

• A. 1/2
• B. 1/3
• C. 1/4
• D. 1/5

Answer: (C)

In the School Breakfast Program, each breakfast must provide one-quarter of the daily protein recommendation (RDA). This per-meal target helps distribute protein intake across the day so a child’s total daily protein meets the RDA when combined with other meals and snacks. The RDA is the amount of a nutrient scientists say is adequate to meet the needs of most healthy individuals in a group, and setting a per-meal portion ensures the breakfast contributes a meaningful, consistent share without overloading a single meal. For example, if the daily protein RDA for a child is around 34 g, breakfast should provide about 8–9 g of protein. The other fractions listed aren’t used in this program’s guidance, which is why one-quarter is the correct standard.