St. Mary’s County Public Schools is hosting “School Breakfast – Ready Set Go!” a campaign to introduce students to the importance of school breakfast and to demonstrate how eating a breakfast prepares you for a busy day at school. The campaign, created by the non-profit School Nutrition Association, with support from General Mills Foodservice, culminates during National School Breakfast Week, March 8-12, 2010.
School cafeterias are implementing various promotions during this time. The breakfast menu for the week includes selections like “Fuel Up French Toast,” “Wake-Up Waffles,” and “Power Pancakes.” In addition, George Washington Carver Elementary is participating in the Ready Set Go! art contest. Several winners will be selected and then forwarded to the state level competition.
Everyone can agree on the importance of breakfast to student achievement, yet too many children miss out on the most critical meal of the day. Numerous studies have shown that breakfast can improve a student’s memory, test scores, school attendance, and cut down on visits to the school nurse. Research has also shown that children who eat breakfast each day have a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and maintain a healthier weight than those who skip breakfast.
Fortunately, every school day, the National School Breakfast Program fuels more than 10.6 million students for success. The program is critical to maintaining the health and well-being of children who are eligible for free or reduced price meals, and it provides a great alternative for children who don’t eat breakfast at home.
“The morning routine for many families can be so hectic, and some children just aren’t hungry before they leave for school,” said Mr. Mike Jones, supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for SMCPS. “Knowing that your child can eat a healthy breakfast once they get to school can be a huge relief for parents.”
The National School Breakfast Program was established in 1966. Since 1989, National School Breakfast Week has been raising awareness of the program and the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement, and healthy lifestyles.