Park Crossing, Montgomery Public Schools
When asked what breakfast means to her, Johnna Beard, School Nutrition Director, beams about how “breakfast jumpstarts our students day and we believe a good hearty breakfast will set them up for success in the classroom enabling them to focus on what is important and not be hungry.”
Why do you operate School Breakfast? What do you love and believe about School Breakfast?
“School breakfast programs are essential for ensuring that all students have access to a nutritious meal to start their day, regardless of their home circumstances. The reasons for operating these programs go beyond just providing food—they support the physical, emotional, and academic well-being of students,” says Johnna Beard.
Why School Breakfast Programs Are Operated in Montgomery County:
- To Combat Hunger: Many children don’t have access to a balanced meal at home, which can leave them hungry and distracted during school. School breakfast ensures that students begin their day with the energy they need to learn and focus.
- To Improve Academic Performance: Research shows that students who eat a healthy breakfast perform better in school. It helps with concentration, memory, problem-solving, and overall classroom behavior.
- To Support Equal Opportunity: Not all families can afford or prioritize breakfast at home. School breakfast programs help bridge that gap and ensure every child has the same opportunity to succeed.
What Johnna Loves About School Breakfast:
- A Strong Foundation for the Day: School breakfast is the first step toward setting up kids for a successful day of learning. It ensures that students don’t have to worry about hunger, allowing them to focus on their education.
- Improves Health and Well-Being: Beyond academics, school breakfast offers essential nutrients that can help children grow strong, stay healthy, and have the energy for extracurricular activities and play.
- A Positive Community Impact: School breakfast fosters a sense of belonging and support within the school community. It teaches kids the importance of good nutrition and sets up lifelong healthy habits.
Nice work Johnna, it is stories like this one that need to be seen every day. Students need access to healthy meals, every day. Thank you for your dedication to our children and industry. Keep rollin’!