RELEASE: No Kid Hungry Louisiana Supports Breakfast Programs Through Local School Grants
Contact: Rhonda Jackson at rjackson@strength.org
NEW ORLEANS, LA – No Kid Hungry Louisiana has awarded more than $63,000 in grants this month to support breakfast programs at seventeen schools across the state. The funding boosts alternative breakfast models that increase access to school breakfast by making it a part of the school day.
More than one in four children in Louisiana live in families that struggle with hunger. Research shows that hunger has long-term ramifications on children, including lower test scores, weaker attendance rates, and a higher risk of hospitalizations and chronic diseases. No Kid Hungry Louisiana and its partners focus on alternative breakfast models as a critical way to end childhood hunger across the state.
The following schools received funding in the latest round of No Kid Hungry Louisiana breakfast grants:
- Harriet Tubman Charter School in Orleans Parish – $5,454
- Woodlawn Elementary in East Baton Rouge Parish – $4,900
- Belaire High School in East Baton Rouge Parish – $3,550
- Inspire Charter Academy in East Baton Rouge Parish – $3,550
- Wedgewood Elementary School in East Baton Rouge Parish – $2,350
- Jefferson Terrace Elementary School in East Baton Rouge Parish – $3,550
- Advantage Charter Academy in East Baton Rouge Parish – $3,550
- Arthur Ashe Charter School in Orleans Parish – $5,400
- Samuel J. Green Charter School in Orleans Parish – $5,400
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School in Orleans Parish – $5,000
- Success Preparatory Academy in Orleans Parish – $952
- North Webster High School in Webster Parish – $4,150
- North Webster Junior High School in Webster Parish – $4,533
- L. Jones Elementary School in Webster Parish – $4,650
- Forest High School in West Carroll Parish – $1,750
- Linwood Public Charter School in Bossier Parish – $4,995
The grants will help schools purchase items such as Grab and Go kiosks, along with other supplies that will assist cafeteria staff with launching and strengthening alternative breakfast programs.
Accessing traditional cafeteria breakfast service can be challenging for many kids. Alternative breakfast models provide breakfast in a way that is more convenient and accessible to students, resulting in increased student participation.
“We know one of the most effective ways to boost school breakfast participation is to make it a part of the school day,” said Rhonda Jackson, No Kid Hungry Louisiana state director. “No Kid Hungry Louisiana is committed to connecting more students with breakfast by expanding and strengthening alternative breakfast models all across the state.”
Research indicates that eating breakfast at school helps children improve classroom performance, attendance and promotes healthy habits.
Throughout the month of October, hundreds of schools across the state participated in the Louisiana Breakfast Challenge, hosted by No Kid Hungry Louisiana in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education, the Dairy Alliance, Fuel Up to Play 60, Governor John Bel Edwards and USDA. The Louisiana Breakfast Challenge is an exciting opportunity for schools to increase their breakfast participation and win cash prizes and a student pep rally with the New Orleans Saints. Winners will be announced in March.