Principals are champions for students, and many are leading the way to address childhood hunger in schools across Arizona. That’s why No Kid Hungry and the Arizona Food Bank Network are celebrating National Principals Month this October by recognizing the incredible school leaders who ensure students have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
New research from No Kid Hungry’s Back to School Report highlights just how critical school meals are for families across the country. Surveying over 1,200 parents, the report reveals that many households are struggling to put food on the table, especially during the summer months when school is out. The return to school and access to reliable school meals provide vital relief. According to the report, 40% of parents worry that food will run out before the end of the month and rising food prices are their top concern. However, most parents surveyed view school meals as a valuable program, with over 80% noting that children perform better in school when they eat there.
40%
of parents worry
that food will run out
before the month.
80%
note children perform
better in school when
they eat there.
In the report, parents shared stories of how school meals reduce financial stress and help their kids stay focused, healthy, and ready to learn. One Arizona parent put it simply:
“I’d have to figure out how to get more income. A child cannot learn properly on an empty stomach.”
School meals are more than just food – they’re fuel for learning and lifelines for families. They activate student learning, improve attendance, and reduce stress at home. That’s why principals who prioritize school nutrition programs are also helping build stronger communities.
This month, we heard from the Food Service Director, Yezica Hostetler about Ms. Nichols, a principal at Queen Creek Junior High, who goes the extra mile to support school meals. One crucial way to boost awareness of school meals is by finding innovative ways to make the program fun for the students they serve. Ms. Nichols has supported creative initiatives—such as offering lunch service from one of the district’s food trucks every Wednesday—which has boosted participation and introduced students to exciting new menu options.
Sometimes the most meaningful and impactful support is championing and connecting with the school nutrition staff. Ms. Nichols is known as such an “outstanding partner and strong supporter of the Child Nutrition Program” because she “consistently shows kindness and encouragement to our cafeteria staff and actively works alongside her team to create a positive experience for students during meal times,” says Yezica.
Principals like Ms. Nichols are helping lead the charge in making sure no child starts their day hungry. Thank you to the school nutrition leaders and administrators across Arizona, who are making school meals accessible to their students every day!
Resources
Want to learn how to build stronger relationships with principals and teachers around breakfast implementation? Watch our webinar, Gaining Teacher and Principal Buy-in for Breakfast After the Bell, where nutrition leaders share proven strategies for initiating engagement, providing training, and maintaining ongoing communication with school staff to ensure the success of Breakfast After the Bell programs.
