Purpose/Objectives: Individuals in rural areas experience higher food insecurity. The School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) reduce food insecurity. Yet, SBP participation remains lower than NSLP participation. This study aimed to examine differences in parental perception relative to the NSLP and the SBP in rural areas. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to parents in rural areas across Utah in school year 2016-2017. Parents (N=282) were asked about the importance of children eating healthy foods, what foods children should eat, their understanding of school meal requirements, and what they would change about school meals. Two multilevel models were built in the analysis--one model predicted perceptions of school lunch and the other predicted school breakfast perceptions. Results: Most parents (59.9%) perceived school lunch more positively than school breakfast. Higher perceptions of the SBP were significantly predicted by child breakfast non-participation (p=0.018), parent understanding of child breakfast preference (p<0.001), and parent perception of important breakfast components (p=0.002). Application To Child Nutrition Professionals: Because parents viewed the SBP less positively than the NSLP, school nutrition staff may consider improvements and further promotion of the SBP. This may increase participation rates and benefit children and programs.