As the nation continues to grapple with the pandemic, 1 in 6 kids could face hunger this year and may be heading to school with empty stomachs. Hunger has long-term ramifications on children, including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates, and a higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases.
Luckily, we have a powerful tool to combat childhood hunger at our disposal: nutritious school breakfasts. School breakfast is a critical way to ensure kids get the consistent nutrition they need to feel better, learn more and grow up strong.
School breakfast is intertwined with student success. Studies show that kids who eat school breakfast are more likely to excel academically, be more alert, and have better concentration and memory.
Here in Arizona, even as they face an immense set of challenges, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, school nutrition staff have adapted to ensure kids get a healthy meal to start the day. Here are some quotes directly from our districts who share how school breakfast made an impact on their students:
“Kids told their parents that eating breakfast made them feel better and more awake during first-period classes. Our students became more aware on how skipping meals affected them throughout the school day.” Antelope Union High School, Wellton, Arizona
“Prior to instituting the program, our nurse received two to five calls a day related to teachers requesting snack for a hungry student or seeing a student for hunger pains. Often students were seen mid – morning or before lunchtime and she ended up keeping healthy snacks in her office. After instituting the program, her daily calls or visits regarding hunger were completely eliminated! Additionally, she saw that students did not bring in junk food or fast food to eat in the morning but rather ate the school breakfast options.” -St. Michael Indian School, Saint Michaels, Arizona
This National School Breakfast Week, we celebrate the importance of school breakfast and the critical role school nutrition professionals play in helping children succeed in and out of the classroom. Feeding kids today is one of the smartest investments we can make to ensure they’re ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
Join us as we celebrate National School Breakfast Week, highlighting the importance of school breakfast and the critical role school nutrition professionals play in helping children succeed in and out of the classroom. Here are some simple ways to do that:
- Share this blog post about the importance of school breakfast.
- Check out these great resources from SNA for more ideas.
- Thank school nutrition staff on social media and use some of these photos for the post. Don’t forget to tag us at @NoKidHungry and we will ensure to repost it.
- This year, 1 in 6 kids in America could struggle with hunger. School meals–including healthy breakfasts–can help. This #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek, join us in celebrating the importance of school breakfast and the critical role school nutrition professionals play in helping children succeed in and out of the classroom. #NSBW22
- Studies show that students who eat school breakfast are better able to learn. This #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek, we’re working to help make sure more kids have access to school breakfast so they can reach their full potential. #NSBW22
- A healthy breakfast at the start of the day is a great way to ensure students are nourished and ready to learn. Join us as we celebrate #NationalSchoolBreakfastWeek! #NSBW22