{"id":18793,"date":"2026-06-30T04:17:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T04:17:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/california\/?p=18793"},"modified":"2026-06-30T04:18:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T04:18:58","slug":"breakfast-spotlight-paramount-usd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/state.nokidhungry.org\/california\/breakfast-spotlight-paramount-usd\/","title":{"rendered":"Breakfast Spotlight: How Paramount Unified\u2019s Hunger Heroes Are Tackling Hunger With Breakfast After the Bell"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”18796″ image_size=”medium_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Breakfast Spotlight: How Paramount Unified\u2019s Hunger Heroes Are Tackling Hunger With Breakfast After the Bell<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

Serving South Los Angeles Kids With a Healthy Meal to Start Their School Day<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Hunger Heroes Are the Heart of Fighting Hunger<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Because of their resolute commitment to fighting childhood hunger, No Kid Hungry teamed up with Norms Restaurants to honor local educators and school staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure kids have access to healthy school meals, both in and out of the classroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We are honored to recognize two of Wesley Gaines Elementary\u2019s very own, Veronica Flores and Anna Yasahura, who will receive NORMS Restaurants\u2019 signature all-day dinner classic, the Bigger Better Breakfast for one year! In addition, their students will receive a NORMS kids eat free voucher. Learn more about our hunger heroes:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Anna Yasuhara, Principal<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Anna Yasuhara is a dedicated school administrator at Gaines Elementary School, whose proactive leadership in implementing the second chance breakfast program at her school has earned her the title of Hunger Hero. She championed this initiative to ensure all students have equitable access to a nutritious morning meal, recognizing its direct impact on their health and learning readiness. Recognizing its impact on student health and learning, she championed the initiative despite operational hurdles and concerns. Anna’s unwavering commitment, problem-solving, collaboration and innovation, significantly increased breakfast participation and student well-being, making her truly deserving of this recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Veronica Flores, Campus Safety Aide\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Veronica Flores, a deeply cherished and indispensable member of the Gaines Elementary community in Paramount, California, is being recognized as a Hunger Hero. Her unwavering dedication to student nutrition goes far beyond mere compliance. She is celebrated for transforming the school’s nutrition program into a beacon of compassion and care, demonstrating a tireless and personal commitment to combating food insecurity. Her efforts ensure every child has the essential fuel they need to succeed both academically and personally.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”18797″ image_size=”medium_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

NORMS Restaurants and No Kid Hungry teams celebrating Hunger Heroes<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]School Breakfast Changes Lives<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Research continues to show that kids do better in school and in life when they start the day with a nutritious meal. The simple act of eating school breakfast benefits a child\u2019s mood, motivation and the mental clarity necessary to learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While ALL students in California eat school breakfast and lunch at no cost, barriers still persist. Issues beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation, lack of access to health care, or stigma, continue to force students to go without breakfast. Hunger can lead to chronic absenteeism (missing 15 or more school days for any reason), difficulty learning, as well as increased behavioral and health problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eating a school breakfast can <\/span>reduce chronic absenteeism by as much as 6%<\/span><\/a> and improve a student\u2019s success in reading and math. Additionally, it helps teachers have calmer classrooms and there are fewer trips to the nurse\u2019s office. Making school breakfast a seamless part of the school day by serving it after the bell can also have a huge impact at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paramount Unified School District has been a longstanding partner of No Kid Hungry and continually focuses on student access to breakfast through breakfast after the bell programming and centering student engagement and voice.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”18798″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”18799″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]What Is Breakfast After the Bell?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

There are three breakfast after the bell models that schools can adopt to ensure their scholars eat breakfast and start their school day ready to learn. The second chance breakfast model along with breakfast in the classroom, or grab-and-go to the classroom allow students who missed breakfast in the morning to have a nutritious meal to eat with their peers.<\/span><\/p>\n

When approached by Celeste Calubaquib, director of nutrition services, to launch the second chance breakfast program at Wesley Gaines Elementary School, Principal Anna Yasahura did not hesitate. Implementing the breakfast after the bell program\u2014specifically the second chance breakfast mode\u2014has enabled the school to provide nutritious morning meals that help students start their day ready to learn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProviding students with a second chance to enjoy breakfast, especially for those who may not arrive in time for the early breakfast period, gives them the opportunity to fuel their minds,\u00a0 refocus, and maximize their learning. The increase in participation we\u2019ve seen reflects how meaningful and impactful this program is for our students and school community.\u201d – Celeste Calubaquib, Director of Nutrition Services, Paramount Unified School District<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn partnership with No Kid Hungry, we\u2019re proud to stand behind the everyday heroes who make a difference in their communities. At NORMS, recognizing and celebrating our \u2018Hunger Heroes\u2019 is more than a program\u2014it\u2019s a commitment to giving back. By treating our heroes to a weekly Bigger Better Breakfast for a year and providing each nominee 25 complimentary kids meal certificates, we hope to extend the impact of their generosity and help ensure more families have access to the meals they deserve.\u201d -Ingrid Martinez, VP of Marketing, NORMS Restaurants, LLC<\/span><\/p>\n

“We at No Kid Hungry California are deeply grateful to Wesley Gaines Elementary for hosting us to honor Veronica Flores and Anna Yasuhara. Partnering with NORMS Restaurants to recognize these vital school staff members\u2014who are the backbone of our community\u2014has been a privilege. Their dedication to ending childhood hunger, along with the support from NORMS through meals and certificates, underscores the essential impact of school nutrition on student success.” -Jonelle Williams-Pagan, Senior Program Manager, No Kid Hungry<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Ways You Can Help<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

You can ensure kids have the nutrition they need to thrive in and out of the classroom and reach their full potential in a variety of ways:<\/span><\/p>\n